Power supply unit for aerosol generation device

ABSTRACT

A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes a controller configured to determine whether an aerosol source and a flavor source contain menthol, control discharging to a first heater and a second heater by a menthol mode upon determination that the aerosol source contains menthol, and control the discharging to the first heater and the second heater by a regular mode upon determination that the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol. A manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode, and/or a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of International Patent Application No. PCT/JP2021/019236 filed on May 20, 2021, claiming priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2020-193900 filed on Nov. 20, 2020, the content of which is incorporated herein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device.

BACKGROUND ART

JP2019-150031A discloses an aerosol delivery system 100 (an aerosol generation device) that generates aerosol by vaporizing and/or atomizing an aerosol source by heating the aerosol source. In the aerosol delivery system according to JP2019-150031A, the generated aerosol flows through a second aerosol generation device 400 (an accommodation chamber) that accommodates an aerosol generation element 425 (a flavor source), whereby a flavor component contained in the flavor source is added to the aerosol, and a user can inhale the aerosol containing the flavor component.

The aerosol delivery system described in JP2019-150031A includes a reservoir substrate 214, a space (a heating chamber) that accommodates a liquid transport element 238 and a heat generating element 240, and the second aerosol generation device 400 (an accommodation chamber) that accommodates the aerosol generation element 425. An aerosol precursor composition is stored in the reservoir substrate 214. The liquid transport element 238 transports and holds the aerosol precursor composition from the reservoir substrate 214 to the heating chamber. The aerosol precursor composition held by the liquid transport element 238 is heated by the heat generating element 240 to be aerosolized, passes through the aerosol generation element 425 of the second aerosol generation device 400, is added with the flavor component, and is then supplied to the user.

In addition, JP2019-150031A discloses that menthol may be contained in both the aerosol precursor composition of the reservoir substrate 214 and the aerosol generation element of the second aerosol generation device 400.

In a similar manner to cigarettes, among users who use an aerosol generation device, there are users who prefer the flavor of menthol and users who prefer the flavor (a so-called regular flavor) that does not contain menthol. In order to cope with users having different preference, an aerosol generation device capable of generating an aerosol containing menthol and an aerosol not containing menthol is desired. In such an aerosol generation device, it is necessary to appropriately control discharging to a heater for heating an aerosol source or a flavor source from the viewpoint of flavor, and with regard to this point, the technique in the related art needs to be improved.

An object of the present invention is to make it possible to appropriately control discharging to a first heater for heating an aerosol source and/or a second heater for heating a flavor source depending on whether the aerosol source contains menthol.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a power supply unit for an aerosol generation device including a first connector connectable to a first heater configured to heat an aerosol source, a second connector connectable to a second heater configured to heat a flavor source capable of imparting a flavor to the aerosol source vaporized and/or atomized by being heated with the first heater, a power supply electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, and a controller capable of controlling discharging from the power supply to the first heater and discharging from the power supply to the second heater. The controller is configured to determine whether the aerosol source and the flavor source contain menthol, control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a menthol mode upon determination that the aerosol source contains menthol, and control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a regular mode upon determination that the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol. A manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode, and/or a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view schematically showing a schematic configuration of an aerosol inhaler.

FIG. 2 is another perspective view of the aerosol inhaler in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the aerosol inhaler in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of a power supply unit in the aerosol inhaler in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing a state in which a capsule is accommodated in a capsule holder in the aerosol inhaler in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram showing a hardware configuration of the aerosol inhaler in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the power supply unit in FIG. 6 .

FIG. 8 is a flowchart (part 1) showing an operation of the aerosol inhaler in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 9 is a flowchart (part 2) showing the operation of the aerosol inhaler in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 10 is a flowchart (part 3) showing the operation of the aerosol inhaler in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 11 is a flowchart (part 4) showing the operation of the aerosol inhaler in FIG. 1 .

FIG. 12 is a flowchart showing processing contents of flavor identification processing.

FIG. 13 is a diagram (part 1) showing a specific control example in a menthol mode.

FIG. 14 is a diagram (part 2) showing the specific control example in the menthol mode.

FIG. 15 is a diagram (part 3) showing the specific control example in the menthol mode.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Hereinafter, an aerosol inhaler 1, which is an aerosol generation device according to an embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 to 15 . The drawings are viewed in directions of reference numerals.

(Overview of Aerosol Inhaler)

As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3 , the aerosol inhaler 1 is an instrument for generating an aerosol without combustion, adding a flavor component to the generated aerosol, and allowing a user to inhale the aerosol containing the flavor component. As an example, the aerosol inhaler 1 has a rod shape.

The aerosol inhaler 1 includes a power supply unit 10, a cartridge cover 20 that accommodates a cartridge 40 in which an aerosol source 71 is stored, and a capsule holder 30 that accommodates a capsule 50 including an accommodation chamber 53 in which a flavor source 52 is accommodated. The power supply unit 10, the cartridge cover 20, and the capsule holder 30 are provided in this order from one end side to the other end side in a longitudinal direction of the aerosol inhaler 1.

The power supply unit 10 has a substantially cylindrical shape centered on a center line L extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol inhaler 1. The cartridge cover 20 and the capsule holder 30 have a substantially annular shape centered on the center line L extending in the longitudinal direction of the aerosol inhaler 1. An outer peripheral surface of the power supply unit 10 and an outer peripheral surface of the cartridge cover 20 have a substantially annular shape having substantially the same diameter, and the capsule holder 30 has a substantially annular shape having a slightly smaller diameter than the power supply unit 10 and the cartridge cover 20.

Hereinafter, in order to simplify and clarify descriptions in the present description and the like, the longitudinal direction of the rod-shaped aerosol inhaler 1 is defined as a first direction X. In the first direction X, a side of the aerosol inhaler 1 where the power supply unit 10 is disposed is defined as a bottom side, and a side of the aerosol inhaler 1 where the capsule holder 30 is disposed is defined as a top side for convenience. In the drawings, the bottom side of the aerosol inhaler 1 in the first direction X is denoted by D, and the top side of the aerosol inhaler 1 in the first direction X is denoted by U.

The cartridge cover 20 has a hollow and substantially annular shape of which both end surfaces at the bottom side and the top side are opened. The cartridge cover 20 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. An end portion at the bottom side of the cartridge cover 20 is coupled to an end portion at the top side of the power supply unit 10. The cartridge cover 20 is attachable to and detachable from the power supply unit 10. The capsule holder 30 has a hollow and substantially annular shape of which both end surfaces at the bottom side and the top side are opened. An end portion at the bottom side of the capsule holder 30 is coupled to an end portion at the top side of the cartridge cover 20. The capsule holder 30 is made of a metal such as aluminum. The capsule holder 30 is attachable to and detachable from the cartridge cover 20.

The cartridge 40 has a substantially cylindrical shape and is accommodated in the cartridge cover 20. In a state in which the capsule holder 30 is removed from the cartridge cover 20, the cartridge 40 can be accommodated in the cartridge cover 20 and can be taken out from the cartridge cover 20. Therefore, the aerosol inhaler 1 can be used in a manner of replacing the cartridge 40.

The capsule 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape, and is accommodated in a hollow portion of the capsule holder 30 that has a hollow and substantially annular shape such that an end portion at the top side of the capsule 50 in the first direction X is exposed in the first direction X from an end portion at the top side of the capsule holder 30. The capsule 50 is attachable to and detachable from the capsule holder 30. Therefore, the aerosol inhaler 1 can be used in a manner of replacing the capsule 50.

(Power Supply Unit)

As shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 , the power supply unit 10 includes a power supply unit case 11 that has a hollow and substantially annular shape and is centered on the center line L extending in the first direction X. The power supply unit case 11 is made of a metal such as stainless steel. The power supply unit case 11 includes a top surface 11 a which is an end surface at the top side of the power supply unit case 11 in the first direction X, a bottom surface 11 b which is an end surface at the bottom side of the power supply unit case 11 in the first direction X, and a side surface 11 c which extends in the first direction X in a substantially annular shape centered on the center line L from the top surface 11 a to the bottom surface 11 b.

Discharge terminals 12 are provided on the top surface 11 a of the power supply unit case 11. The discharge terminals 12 protrude from the top surface 11 a of the power supply unit case 11 toward the top side in the first direction X.

An air supply portion 13 that supplies air to a heating chamber 43 of the cartridge 40 to be described later is provided on the top surface 11 a in the vicinity of the discharge terminals 12. The air supply portion 13 protrudes from the top surface 11 a of the power supply unit case 11 toward the top side in the first direction X.

A charging terminal 14 that can be electrically connected to an external power supply (not shown) is provided on the side surface 11 c of the power supply unit case 11. In the present embodiment, the charging terminal 14 is, for example, a receptacle that can be connected to a universal serial bus (USB) terminal, a micro USB terminal, or the like, and the charging terminal 14 is provided on the side surface 11 c in the vicinity of the bottom surface 11 b.

The charging terminal 14 may be a power receiving unit that can receive power transmitted from the external power supply in a wireless manner. In such a case, the charging terminal 14 (a power receiving unit) may be implemented by a power receiving coil. A wireless power transfer (WPT) system may be of an electromagnetic induction type, a magnetic resonance type, or a combination of an electromagnetic induction type and a magnetic resonance type. In addition, the charging terminal 14 may be a power receiving unit that can receive power transmitted from an external power supply without contact. As another example, the charging terminal 14 may include both the power receiving unit described above and the receptacle that can be connected to a USB terminal, a micro USB terminal, or the like.

An operation unit 15 that can be operated by the user is provided on the side surface 11 c of the power supply unit case 11. The operation unit 15 is provided on the side surface 11 c in the vicinity of the top surface 11 a. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 15 is provided at a position about 180 degrees away from the charging terminal 14 centered on the center line L when viewed from the first direction X. In the present embodiment, the operation unit 15 is a push button type switch having a circular shape when the side surface 11 c of the power supply unit case 11 is viewed from the outside. The operation unit 15 may have a shape other than the circular shape, or may be implemented by a switch other than a push button type switch, a touch panel, or the like.

The power supply unit case 11 is provided with a notification unit 16 that notifies various kinds of information. The notification unit 16 includes a light emitting element 161 and a vibration element 162 (see FIG. 6 ). In the present embodiment, the light emitting element 161 is provided inward of the operation unit 15 on the power supply unit case 11. A periphery of the circular operation unit 15 is translucent when the side surface 11 c of the power supply unit case 11 is viewed from the outside, and light is emitted by the light emitting element 161. In the present embodiment, the light emitting element 161 can emit red light, green light, blue light, white light, and purple light.

The power supply unit case 11 is provided with an air intake port (not shown) through which outside air is taken into the power supply unit case 11. The air intake port may be provided around the charging terminal 14, may be provided around the operation unit 15, or may be provided in the power supply unit case 11 at a position away from the charging terminal 14 and the operation unit 15. The air intake port may be provided in the cartridge cover 20. The air intake port may be provided at two or more positions of the above-described positions.

A power supply 61, an inhalation sensor 62, a micro controller unit (MCU) 63, and a charging integrated circuit (IC) 64 are accommodated in a hollow portion of the power supply unit case 11 that has a hollow and substantially annular shape. A low drop out (LDO) regulator 65, a DC/DC converter 66, a first temperature detection element 67 including a voltage sensor 671 and a current sensor 672, and a second temperature detection element 68 including a voltage sensor 681 and a current sensor 682 are further accommodated in the power supply unit case 11 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ).

The power supply 61 is a chargeable and dischargeable power storage device such as a secondary battery or an electric double layer capacitor, and is preferably a lithium ion secondary battery. An electrolyte of the power supply 61 can be implemented by one of or a combination of a gel electrolyte, an electrolytic solution, a solid electrolyte, and an ionic liquid.

The inhalation sensor 62 is a pressure sensor that detects a puff (inhaling) operation, and is provided, for example, in the vicinity of the operation unit 15. The inhalation sensor 62 outputs a value of a change in pressure (internal pressure) inside the power supply unit 10 caused by an inhalation of the user through an inhalation port 58 of the capsule 50 to be described later. For example, the inhalation sensor 62 outputs an output value (for example, a voltage value or a current value) corresponding to the internal pressure that changes according to a flow rate of air inhaled from the air intake port toward the inhalation port 58 of the capsule 50 (that is, an inhaling operation of the user). The inhalation sensor 62 may output an analog value, or may output a digital value converted from the analog value.

In order to compensate for a pressure to be detected, the inhalation sensor 62 may include a temperature sensor that detects a temperature (an outside air temperature) of an environment in which the power supply unit 10 is placed. In addition, the inhalation sensor 62 may be implemented by a condenser microphone, a flow rate sensor, or the like, instead of the pressure sensor.

The MCU 63 is an electronic component (a controller) that performs various controls of the aerosol inhaler 1. Specifically, the MCU 63 is mainly implemented by a processor, and further includes a memory 63 a implemented by a storage medium such as a random access memory (RAM) necessary for an operation of the processor and a read only memory (ROM) that stores various kinds of information (see FIG. 6 ). The processor in the present description is an electric circuit in which circuit elements such as semiconductor elements are combined.

For example, when the user performs an inhaling operation and the output value of the inhalation sensor 62 exceeds a threshold, the MCU 63 determines that there is an aerosol generation request. Thereafter, for example, when the user ends the inhaling operation and the output value of the inhalation sensor 62 falls below the threshold, the MCU 63 determines that the aerosol generation request is ended. In this way, the output value of the inhalation sensor 62 is used as a signal indicating an aerosol generation request. Therefore, the inhalation sensor 62 constitutes a sensor that outputs an aerosol generation request. Instead of the MCU 63, the inhalation sensor 62 may determine whether there is an aerosol generation request, and the MCU 63 may receive a digital value corresponding to a determination result from the inhalation sensor 62. As a specific example, the inhalation sensor 62 may output a high-level signal when it is determined that there is an aerosol generation request, and may output a low-level signal when it is determined that there is no aerosol generation request (that is, the aerosol generation request is ended). The threshold for the MCU 63 or the inhalation sensor 62 to determine that there is an aerosol generation request may be different from the threshold for the MCU 63 or the inhalation sensor 62 to determine that the aerosol generation request is ended.

Instead of the inhalation sensor 62, the MCU 63 may detect the aerosol generation request based on an operation performed on the operation unit 15. For example, when the user performs a predetermined operation on the operation unit 15 to start inhalation of aerosol, the operation unit 15 may output a signal indicating an aerosol generation request to the MCU 63. In this case, the operation unit 15 constitutes a sensor that outputs an aerosol generation request.

The charging IC 64 is provided in the vicinity of the charging terminal 14. The charging IC 64 controls the charging of the power supply 61 by controlling power input from the charging terminal 14 to charge the power supply 61. The charging IC 64 may be disposed in the vicinity of the MCU 63.

(Cartridge)

As shown in FIG. 3 , the cartridge 40 includes a cartridge case 41 having a substantially cylindrical shape whose axial direction is a longitudinal direction. The cartridge case 41 is made of a resin such as polycarbonate. A storage chamber 42 that stores the aerosol source 71 and the heating chamber 43 that heats the aerosol source 71 are formed inside the cartridge case 41. The heating chamber 43 accommodates a wick 44 that transports the aerosol source 71 stored in the storage chamber 42 to the heating chamber 43 and holds the aerosol source 71 in the heating chamber 43, and a first load 45 that heats the aerosol source 71 held in the wick 44 to vaporize and/or atomize the aerosol source 71. The cartridge 40 further includes a first aerosol flow path 46 through which the aerosol source 71 that is vaporized and/or atomized by being heated with the first load 45 is aerosolized and aerosol is transported from the heating chamber 43 toward the capsule 50.

The storage chamber 42 and the heating chamber 43 are formed adjacent to each other in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40. The heating chamber 43 is formed on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40, and the storage chamber 42 is formed to be adjacent to the heating chamber 43 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40 and to extend to an end portion on the other end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40. A connection terminal 47 is provided on an end surface on one end side in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge case 41, that is, an end surface of the cartridge case 41 on a side where the heating chamber 43 is disposed, in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40.

The storage chamber 42 has a hollow and substantially annular shape whose axial direction is the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40, and stores the aerosol source 71 in an annular portion. The storage chamber 42 accommodates a porous body such as a resin web or cotton, and the aerosol source 71 may be impregnated in the porous body. The storage chamber 42 may store only the aerosol source 71 without accommodating a porous body such as a resin web or cotton. The aerosol source 71 contains a liquid such as glycerin and/or propylene glycol.

In the present embodiment, the cartridge 40 of a regular type that stores the aerosol source 71 containing no menthol 80 and the cartridge 40 of a menthol type that stores the aerosol source 71 containing the menthol 80 are provided to the user by a manufacturer or the like of the aerosol inhaler 1. FIG. 3 shows an example in which the cartridge 40 of a menthol type is mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1. In FIG. 3 , the menthol 80 is shown in a form of particles in order to facilitate understanding of the description, but in practice, the menthol 80 is dissolved in a liquid such as glycerin and/or propylene glycol that constitutes the aerosol source 71. It should be noted that the menthol 80 shown in FIG. 3 and the like is merely a simulation, and positions and quantity of the menthol 80 in the storage chamber 42, positions and quantity of the menthol 80 in the capsule 50, and a positional relationship between the menthol 80 and the flavor source 52 do not necessarily coincide with actual ones.

The wick 44 is a liquid holding member that draws the aerosol source 71 stored in the storage chamber 42 from the storage chamber 42 into the heating chamber 43 using a capillary action and holds the aerosol source 71 in the heating chamber 43. The wick 44 is made of, for example, glass fiber or porous ceramic. The wick 44 may extend into the storage chamber 42.

The first load 45 is electrically connected to the connection terminal 47. In the present embodiment, the first load 45 is implemented by an electric heating wire (a coil) wound around the wick 44 at a predetermined pitch. The first load 45 may be an element that can heat the aerosol source 71 held by the wick 44 to vaporize and/or atomize the aerosol source 71. The first load 45 may be, for example, a heat generating element such as a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, or an induction heating type heater. As the first load 45, a load whose temperature and electric resistance value have a correlation is used. For example, as the first load 45, a load having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic is used in which an electric resistance value increases as the temperature increases. Alternatively, as the first load 45, for example, a load having a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristic may be used in which an electric resistance value decreases as the temperature increases. A part of the first load 45 may be provided outside the heating chamber 43.

The first aerosol flow path 46 is formed in a hollow portion of the storage chamber 42 having a hollow and substantially annular shape, and extends in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40. The first aerosol flow path 46 is formed by a wall portion 46a that extends in a substantially annular shape in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40. The wall portion 46a of the first aerosol flow path 46 is also an inner peripheral side wall portion of the storage chamber 42 having a substantially annular shape. A first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40 is connected to the heating chamber 43, and a second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40 is opened to an end surface at the other end side of the cartridge case 41.

The first aerosol flow path 46 is formed such that a cross-sectional area thereof does not change or increases from the first end portion 461 toward the second end portion 462 in the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40. The cross-sectional area of the first aerosol flow path 46 may increase discontinuously from the first end portion 461 toward the second end portion 462, or may increase continuously as shown in FIG. 3 .

The cartridge 40 is accommodated in a hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 having a hollow and substantially annular shape such that the longitudinal direction of the cartridge 40 is the first direction X which is the longitudinal direction of the aerosol inhaler 1. Further, the cartridge 40 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 such that the heating chamber 43 is at the bottom side of the aerosol inhaler 1 (that is, at a power supply unit 10 side) and the storage chamber 42 is at the top side of the aerosol inhaler 1 (that is, at a capsule 50 side) in the first direction X.

The first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40 extends in the first direction X on the center line L of the aerosol inhaler 1 in a state in which the cartridge 40 is accommodated inside the cartridge cover 20.

When the aerosol inhaler 1 is in use, the cartridge 40 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 so as to maintain a state in which the connection terminal 47 comes into contact with the discharge terminals 12 provided on the top surface 11 a of the power supply unit case 11. When the discharge terminals 12 of the power supply unit 10 and the connection terminal 47 of the cartridge 40 come into contact with each other, the first load 45 of the cartridge 40 is electrically connected to the power supply 61 of the power supply unit 10 via the discharge terminals 12 and the connection terminal 47.

Further, when the aerosol inhaler 1 is in use, the cartridge 40 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 such that air flowing in from the air intake port (not shown) provided in the power supply unit case 11 is taken into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply portion 13 provided on the top surface 11 a of the power supply unit case 11 as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 3 . The arrow B is inclined with respect to the center line L in FIG. 3 , and may be in the same direction as the center line L. In other words, the arrow B may be parallel to the center line L.

When the aerosol inhaler 1 is in use, the first load 45 heats the aerosol source 71 held by the wick 44 without combustion using power supplied from the power supply 61 via the discharge terminals 12 provided in the power supply unit case 11 and the connection terminal 47 provided in the cartridge 40. In the heating chamber 43, the aerosol source 71 heated by the first load 45 is vaporized and/or atomized. When the cartridge 40 is of a menthol type, the vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71 at this time contains the vaporized and/or atomized menthol 80 and vaporized and/or atomized glycerin and/or propylene glycol, or the like.

The aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in the heating chamber 43 aerosolizes air taken into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply portion 13 of the power supply unit case 11 as a dispersion medium. Further, the aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in the heating chamber 43 and the air taken into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply portion 13 of the power supply unit case 11 flow through the first aerosol flow path 46 from the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 communicating with the heating chamber 43 to the second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46, while being further aerosolized. A temperature of the aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in the heating chamber 43 decreases in the process of flowing through the first aerosol flow path 46, which promotes aerosolization. In this way, the aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in the heating chamber 43 and the air taken into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply portion 13 of the power supply unit case 11 are used to generate aerosol 72 in the heating chamber 43 and the first aerosol flow path 46. When the cartridge 40 is of a menthol type, the aerosol 72 in the heating chamber 43 and the first aerosol flow path 46 also contains the menthol 80 that is aerosolized and derived from the aerosol source 71.

(Capsule Holder)

The capsule holder 30 includes a side wall 31 extending in the first direction X in a substantially annular shape, and has a hollow and substantially annular shape of which both end surfaces at the bottom side and the top side are opened. The side wall 31 is formed of a metal such as aluminum. An end portion at the bottom side of the capsule holder 30 is coupled to an end portion at the top side of the cartridge cover 20 by screwing, locking, or the like, and the capsule holder 30 is attachable to and detachable from the cartridge cover 20. An inner peripheral surface 31 a of the side wall 31 having a substantially annular shape has an annular shape centered on the center line L of the aerosol inhaler 1, and has a diameter larger than that of the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40 and smaller than that of the cartridge cover 20.

The capsule holder 30 includes a bottom wall 32 provided at an end portion at the bottom side of the side wall 31. The bottom wall 32 is made of, for example, a resin. The bottom wall 32 is fixed to the end portion at the bottom side of the side wall 31, and closes a hollow portion surrounded by an inner peripheral surface of the side wall 31 at the end portion at the bottom side of the side wall 31 except for a communication hole 33 to be described later.

The bottom wall 32 is provided with the communication hole 33 penetrating the bottom wall 32 in the first direction X. The communication hole 33 is formed at a position overlapping the center line L when viewed from the first direction. In a state in which the cartridge 40 is accommodated in the cartridge cover 20 and the capsule holder 30 is mounted on the cartridge cover 20, the communication hole 33 is formed such that the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40 is located inside the communication hole 33 when viewed from the top side in the first direction X.

A second load 34 is provided on the side wall 31 of the capsule holder 30. As shown in FIG. 5 , the second load 34 is provided at the bottom side of the side wall 31, has an annular shape along the side wall 31 having a substantially annular shape, and extends in the first direction X. The second load 34 heats the storage chamber 53 of the capsule 50 to heat the flavor source 52 accommodated in the accommodation chamber 53. The second load 34 may be an element that can heat the flavor source 52 by heating the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50. The second load 34 may be, for example, a heat generating element such as a heat generating resistor, a ceramic heater, or an induction heating type heater. As the second load 34, a load whose temperature and electric resistance value have a correlation is used. For example, as the second load 34, a load having a positive temperature coefficient (PTC) characteristic is used in which an electric resistance value increases as the temperature increases. Alternatively, as the second load 34, for example, a load having a negative temperature coefficient (NTC) characteristic may be used in which an electric resistance value decreases as the temperature increases.

In a state in which the cartridge cover 20 is mounted on the power supply unit 10 and the capsule holder 30 is mounted on the cartridge cover 20, the second load 34 is electrically connected to the power supply 61 of the power supply unit 10 (see FIGS. 6 and 7 ). Specifically, when the cartridge cover 20 is mounted on the power supply unit 10 and the capsule holder 30 is mounted on the cartridge cover 20, a discharge terminal 17 (see FIG. 6 ) of the power supply unit 10 and a connection terminal (not shown) of the capsule holder 30 come into contact with each other, whereby the second load 34 of the capsule holder 30 is electrically connected to the power supply 61 of the power supply unit 10 via the discharge terminal 17 and the connection terminal of the capsule holder 30.

(Capsule)

Returning to FIG. 3 , the capsule 50 has a substantially cylindrical shape and includes a side wall 51 which is opened at both end surfaces and extends in a substantially annular shape. The side wall 51 is formed of a resin such as plastic. The side wall 51 has a substantially annular shape having a diameter slightly smaller than that of the inner peripheral surface 31 a of the side wall 31 of the capsule holder 30.

The capsule 50 includes the accommodation chamber 53 that accommodates the flavor source 52. As shown in FIG. 3 , the accommodation chamber 53 may be formed in an internal space of the capsule 50 surrounded by the side wall 51. Alternatively, the entire internal space of the capsule 50 excluding an outlet portion 55 to be described later may serve as the accommodation chamber 53.

The accommodation chamber 53 includes an inlet portion 54 provided at one end side in a cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 extending in a substantially cylindrical shape, and an outlet portion 55 provided at the other end side in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50.

The flavor source 52 includes cigarette granules 521 obtained by molding a cigarette raw material into granules. In the present embodiment, the capsule 50 of a regular type that accommodates the flavor source 52 containing no menthol 80 and the capsule 50 of a menthol type that accommodates the flavor source 52 containing the menthol 80 are provided to the user by the manufacturer or the like of the aerosol inhaler 1. In the capsule 50 of a menthol type, for example, the menthol 80 is adsorbed to the cigarette granules 521 constituting the flavor source 52.

The flavor source 52 may include cut tobacco instead of the cigarette granules 521. In addition, instead of the cigarette granules 521, the flavor source 52 may include a plant (for example, mint, Chinese herb, and herb) other than cigarettes. In addition, the flavor source 52 may be added with another flavor in addition to the menthol 80.

As shown in FIG. 3 , when the accommodation chamber 53 is formed in an internal space of the capsule 50, the inlet portion 54 may be a partition wall that partitions the internal space of the capsule 50 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 at a position separated from a bottom portion of the capsule 50 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50. The inlet portion 54 may be a mesh-like partition wall through which the flavor source 52 cannot pass and through which the aerosol 72 can pass.

When the entire internal space of the capsule 50 excluding the outlet portion 55 is the accommodation chamber 53, the bottom portion of the capsule 50 also serves as the inlet portion 54.

The outlet portion 55 is a filter member that is filled in the internal space of the capsule 50 surrounded by the side wall 51 at an end portion at the top side of the side wall 51 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50. The outlet portion 55 is a filter member through which the flavor source 52 cannot pass and through which the aerosol 72 can pass. In the present embodiment, the outlet portion 55 is provided in the vicinity of the top portion of the capsule 50, and the outlet portion 55 may be provided at a position separated from the top portion of the capsule 50.

The accommodation chamber 53 includes a first space 531 in which the flavor source 52 is present and a second space 532 in which the flavor source 52 is not present, the second space 532 being located between the first space 531 and the outlet portion 55 and being adjacent to the outlet portion 55. According to the present embodiment, in the accommodation chamber 53, the first space 531 and the second space 532 are formed adjacent to each other in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50. One end side of the first space 531 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 is adjacent to the inlet portion 54, and the other end side of the first space 531 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 is adjacent to the second space 532. One end side of the second space 532 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 is adjacent to the first space 531, and the other end side of the second space 532 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 is adjacent to the outlet portion 55. The first space 531 and the second space 532 may be partitioned by a mesh-like partition wall 56 through which the flavor source 52 cannot pass and through which the aerosol 72 can pass. The first space 531 and the second space 532 may be formed without using such a partition wall 56. As a specific example, the first space 531 and the second space 532 may be formed by accommodating the flavor source 52 in a pressed state in a part of the accommodation chamber 53 and making it difficult for the flavor source 52 to move in the accommodation chamber 53. As another specific example, the first space 531 and the second space 532 may be formed by allowing the flavor source 52 to freely move in the accommodation chamber 53 and moving the flavor source 52 to a bottom side of the accommodation chamber 53 due to gravity when the user performs an inhaling operation through the inhalation port 58.

As shown in FIG. 3 , when the accommodation chamber 53 is formed in the internal space of the capsule 50, a second aerosol flow path 57 may be formed in the capsule 50 between the bottom portion of the capsule 50 and the inlet portion 54 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50.

The second aerosol flow path 57 is formed by the internal space of the capsule 50 surrounded by the side wall 51 between the bottom portion of the capsule 50 and the inlet portion 54 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50. Therefore, a first end portion 571 of the second aerosol flow path 57 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 is opened at the bottom portion of the capsule 50, and a second end portion 572 of the second aerosol flow path 57 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50 is connected to the accommodation chamber 53 at the inlet portion 54 of the accommodation chamber 53.

An opening area of the communication hole 33 provided in the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 is larger than a cross-sectional area of the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40, and a cross-sectional area of the second aerosol flow path 57 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first aerosol flow path 46 of the cartridge 40 and the opening area of the communication hole 33 provided in the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30. Therefore, a cross-sectional area of the second end portion 572 of the second aerosol flow path 57 connected to the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50 is larger than a cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 of the cartridge 40. An aerosol flow path 90 in the present embodiment includes the first aerosol flow path 46, the communication hole 33, and the second aerosol flow path 57. The cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the communication hole 33. The cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the communication hole 33. The cross-sectional area of the communication hole 33 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second aerosol flow path 57. That is, in the aerosol path 90, the cross-sectional area of the second end portion 572 of the second aerosol flow path 57 that constitutes a second end portion connected to the accommodation chamber 53 is larger than the cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 that constitutes a first end portion connected to the heating chamber 43. The aerosol flow path 90 is formed such that the cross-sectional area increases from the first end portion toward the second end portion.

When the entire internal space of the capsule 50 excluding the outlet portion 55 serves as the accommodation chamber 53, the bottom portion of the capsule 50 serves as the inlet portion 54, and thus the second aerosol flow path 57 described above is not formed. That is, the aerosol flow path 90 in the present embodiment includes the first aerosol flow path 46 and the communication hole 33. The cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the communication hole 33. The cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the communication hole 33. In the present embodiment, in the aerosol path 90, the cross-sectional area of the communication hole 33 that constitutes the second end portion connected to the accommodation chamber 53 is also larger than the cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 that constitutes the first end portion connected to the heating chamber 43. The aerosol flow path 90 is formed such that the cross-sectional area increases from the first end portion toward the second end portion.

In a state in which the capsule 50 is accommodated in the capsule holder 30, a space may be formed between the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of the capsule 50. That is, the aerosol flow path 90 in the present embodiment includes the first aerosol flow path 46, the communication hole 33, and the space formed between the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of the capsule 50. The cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the communication hole 33. The cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 connected to the heating chamber 43 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the communication hole 33. The cross-sectional area of the communication hole 33 is smaller than the cross-sectional area of the space formed between the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of the capsule 50. In this case, in the aerosol flow path 90, the cross-sectional area of the space that is formed between the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of the capsule 50 and that constitutes the second end portion connected to the accommodation chamber 53 is also larger than the cross-sectional area of the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 that constitutes the first end portion connected to the heating chamber 43. The aerosol flow path 90 is formed such that the cross-sectional area increases from the first end portion toward the second end portion.

The capsule 50 is accommodated in a hollow portion of the capsule holder 30 having a hollow and substantially annular shape such that the cylindrical axis direction of the substantially cylindrical shape is the first direction X which is the longitudinal direction of the aerosol inhaler 1. Further, the capsule 50 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the capsule holder 30 such that the inlet portion 54 is at the bottom side of the aerosol inhaler 1 (that is, a cartridge 40 side) and the outlet portion 55 is at the top side of the aerosol inhaler 1 in the first direction X. The capsule 50 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the capsule holder 30 such that an end portion at the other end side of the side wall 51 is exposed in the first direction X from an end portion at the top side of the capsule holder 30 in a state in which the capsule 50 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the capsule holder 30. The end portion at the other end side of the side wall 51 serves as the inhalation port 58 through which the user performs an inhaling operation when the aerosol inhaler 1 is in use. The end portion at the other end side of the side wall 51 may have a step so as to be easily exposed in the first direction X from the end portion at the top side of the capsule holder 30.

As shown in FIG. 5 , in a state in which the capsule 50 is accommodated in the hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 having a hollow and substantially annular shape, a part of the accommodation chamber 53 is accommodated in a hollow portion of the second load 34 that has an annular shape and that is provided in the capsule holder 30.

Returning to FIG. 3 , in a state of being accommodated in the hollow portion of the cartridge cover 20 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50, the accommodation chamber 53 includes a heating region 53A in which the second load 34 of the capsule holder 30 is disposed and a non-heating region 53B which is located between the heating region 53A and the outlet portion 55, which is adjacent to the outlet portion 55, and in which the second load 34 of the capsule holder 30 is not disposed.

According to the present embodiment, the heating region 53A overlaps at least a part of the first space 531, and the non-heating region 53B overlaps at least a part of the second space 532 in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50. According to the present embodiment, in the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50, the first space 531 and the heating region 53A substantially coincide with each other, and the second space 532 and the non-heating region 53B substantially coincide with each other.

(Configuration of Aerosol Inhaler During Use)

The aerosol inhaler 1 having the above configuration is used in a state in which the cartridge cover 20, the capsule holder 30, the cartridge 40, and the capsule 50 are mounted on the power supply unit 10. In this state, the aerosol flow path 90 is formed in the aerosol inhaler 1 by at least the first aerosol flow path 46 provided in the cartridge 40 and the communication hole 33 provided in the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30. When the accommodation chamber 53 is formed in the internal space of the capsule 50 as shown in FIG. 3 , the second aerosol flow path 57 provided in the capsule 50 also constitutes a part of the aerosol flow path 90. When the capsule 50 is accommodated in the capsule holder 30 and a space is formed between the bottom wall of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of the capsule 50, the space formed between the bottom wall of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of the capsule 50 also constitutes a part of the aerosol flow path 90. The aerosol flow path 90 connects the heating chamber 43 of the cartridge 40 and the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50, and is used to transport the aerosol 72 generated in the heating chamber 43 from the heating chamber 43 to the accommodation chamber 53.

When the user performs an inhaling operation through the inhalation port 58 during use of the aerosol inhaler 1, air flowing in from the air intake port (not shown) provided in the power supply unit case 11 is taken into the heating chamber 43 of the cartridge 40 from the air supply portion 13 provided on the top surface 11 a of the power supply unit case 11, as indicated by an arrow B in FIG. 3 . Further, the first load 45 generates heat, the aerosol source 71 held by the wick 44 is heated, and the aerosol source 71 heated by the first load 45 is vaporized and/or atomized in the heating chamber 43. The aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized by the first load 45 aerosolizes the air taken into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply portion 13 of the power supply unit case 11 as a dispersion medium. The aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized in the heating chamber 43 and the air taken into the heating chamber 43 from the air supply portion 13 of the power supply unit case 11 flow through the first aerosol flow path 46 from the first end portion 461 of the first aerosol flow path 46 communicating with the heating chamber 43 to the second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46, while being further aerosolized. The aerosol 72 generated in this way is introduced from the second end portion 462 of the first aerosol flow path 46 into the accommodation chamber 53 through the inlet portion 54 of the capsule 50 by passing through the communication hole 33 provided in the bottom wall 32 of the capsule holder 30. According to the embodiment, before the aerosol 72 is introduced into the accommodation chamber 53, the aerosol 72 flows through the second aerosol flow path 57 provided in the capsule 50 or flows through the space formed between the bottom wall of the capsule holder 30 and the bottom portion of the capsule 50.

When flowing through the accommodation chamber 53 in the first direction X of the aerosol inhaler 1 from the inlet portion 54 to the outlet portion 55, the aerosol 72 introduced into the accommodation chamber 53 through the inlet portion 54 passes through the flavor source 52 accommodated in the first space 531 so as to be added with a flavor component from the flavor source 52.

In this way, the aerosol 72 flows through the accommodation chamber 53 from the inlet portion 54 to the outlet portion 55 in the first direction X of the aerosol inhaler 1. Therefore, in the present embodiment, a flow direction of the aerosol 72, in the accommodation chamber 53, in which the aerosol 72 flows from the inlet portion 54 to the outlet portion 55 is the cylindrical axis direction of the capsule 50, and is the first direction X of the aerosol inhaler 1.

Further, during use of the aerosol inhaler 1, the second load 34 provided in the capsule holder 30 generates heat to heat the heating region 53A of the accommodation chamber 53. Accordingly, the flavor source 52 accommodated in the first space 531 of the accommodation chamber 53 and the aerosol 72 flowing through the heating region 53A of the accommodation chamber 53 are heated.

In order to increase an amount of the flavor component to be added to the aerosol in the aerosol inhaler 1, it is found from experiments that it is effective to increase an amount of aerosol generated from the aerosol source 71 and increase a temperature of the flavor source 52. It can be said that a phenomenon in which the amount of the flavor component to be added to the aerosol increases as the amount of the aerosol generated from the aerosol source 71 increases is because the amount of the flavor component accompanying the aerosol passing through the flavor source 52 increases as the amount of aerosol increases. A phenomenon that the amount of the flavor component to be added to the aerosol increases as the temperature of the flavor source 52 increases can be explained based on that the flavor source 52 and a flavor added to the flavor source 52 are more likely to be entrained by the aerosol as the temperature of the flavor source 52 increases.

Here, adsorption of the menthol 80 to the flavor source 52 inside the capsule 50 will be described in detail. The cigarette granules 521 constituting the flavor source 52 are fairly larger than molecules of the menthol 80, and function as an adsorbent of the menthol 80 which is an adsorbate. The menthol 80 is adsorbed to the cigarette granules 521 by chemical adsorption, and is also adsorbed to the cigarette granules 521 by physical adsorption. The chemical adsorption can be caused by covalent bonding between outermost shell electrons in molecules constituting the cigarette granules 521 and outermost shell electrons in molecules constituting the menthol 80. The physical adsorption may be caused by a Van der Waals force acting between surfaces of the cigarette granules 521 and surfaces of the menthol 80. As an adsorption amount of the menthol 80 to the cigarette granules 521 increases, the cigarette granules 521 and the menthol 80 are brought into a state referred to as an adsorption equilibrium state. In the adsorption equilibrium state, an amount of the menthol 80 newly adsorbed to the cigarette granules 521 is equal to an amount of the menthol 80 desorbed from the cigarette granules 521. That is, even when the menthol 80 is newly supplied to the cigarette granules 521, an apparent adsorption amount does not change. Not only the cigarette granules 521 and the menthol 80, but also the adsorption amount in the adsorption equilibrium state decreases as temperatures of the adsorbent and the adsorbate increase. Both chemical adsorption and physical adsorption proceed in a manner in which adsorption sites at interfaces of the cigarette granules 521 are occupied by the menthol 80, and an adsorption amount of the menthol 80 when the adsorption sites are filled up is referred to as a saturated adsorption amount. It will be easily understood that the adsorption amount in the adsorption equilibrium state described above is less than the saturated adsorption amount.

As described above, in general, as the temperature of the flavor source 52 increases, the adsorption amount of the menthol 80 to the cigarette granules 521 in the adsorption equilibrium state between the cigarette granules 521 and the menthol 80 decreases. Therefore, when the flavor source 52 is heated by the second load 34 and the temperature of the flavor source 52 increases, the adsorption amount of the menthol 80 adsorbed to the cigarette granules 521 is reduced, and a part of the menthol 80 adsorbed to the cigarette granules 521 is desorbed.

The aerosol 72 containing the menthol 80 aerosolized and derived from the aerosol source 71 and the menthol 80 aerosolized and derived from the flavor source 52 flows through the second space 532, are discharged to the outside of the accommodation chamber 53 from the outlet portion 55, and are supplied to a mouth of a user from the inhalation port 58.

(Details of Power Supply Unit)

Next, the power supply unit 10 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. 6 . As shown in FIG. 6 , in the power supply unit 10, the DC/DC converter 66 which is an example of a voltage converter capable of converting an output voltage of the power supply 61 and applying the converted output voltage to the first load 45 is connected between the first load 45 and the power supply 61 in a state in which the cartridge 40 is mounted on the power supply unit 10. The MCU 63 is connected between the DC/DC converter 66 and the power supply 61. The second load 34 is connected between the MCU 63 and the DC/DC converter 66 in a state in which the cartridge 40 is mounted on the power supply unit 10. In this way, in the power supply unit 10, the second load 34 and a series circuit of the DC/DC converter 66 and the first load 45 are connected in parallel to the power supply 61 in a state in which the cartridge 40 is mounted.

The DC/DC converter 66 is controlled by the MCU 63 and is a step-up circuit capable of stepping up an input voltage (for example, an output voltage of the power supply 61) and outputting the stepped-up voltage. The DC/DC converter 66 can apply an input voltage or a voltage obtained by stepping up the input voltage to the first load 45. Since power supplied to the first load 45 can be adjusted by changing a voltage applied to the first load 45 by the DC/DC converter 66, an amount of the aerosol source 71 vaporized or atomized by the first load 45 can be controlled. As the DC/DC converter 66, for example, a switching regulator that converts an input voltage into a desired output voltage by controlling an on/off time of a switching element while monitoring an output voltage is used. When a switching regulator is used as the DC/DC converter 66, an input voltage can be output without being stepped up by controlling the switching element. The DC/DC converter 66 is not limited to a step-up type (a boost converter) described above, and may be a step-down type (a buck converter) or a step-up and step-down type converter. For example, the DC/DC converter 66 may be used to set a voltage applied to the first load 45 to V1 to V5 [V] to be described later.

The MCU 63 can acquire a temperature of the second load 34, a temperature of the flavor source 52, or a temperature of the accommodation chamber 53 (that is, second temperature T2 to be described later) in order to control discharging to the second load 34 using a switch (not shown). In addition, the MCU 63 can preferably acquire a temperature of the first load 45. The temperature of the first load 45 can be used to prevent overheating of the first load 45 and the aerosol source 71 and highly control an amount of the aerosol source 71 vaporized or atomized by the first load 45.

The voltage sensor 671 measures a value of a voltage applied to the first load 45 and outputs the value of the voltage. The current sensor 672 measures a value of a current that flows through the first load 45 and outputs the value of the current. An output of the voltage sensor 671 and an output of the current sensor 672 are input to the MCU 63. The MCU 63 acquires a resistance value of the first load 45 based on the output of the voltage sensor 671 and the output of the current sensor 672, and acquires the temperature of the first load 45 based on the acquired resistance value of the first load 45. Specifically, for example, the voltage sensor 671 and the current sensor 672 may be implemented by an operational amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. At least a part of the voltage sensor 671 and/or at least a part of the current sensor 672 may be provided inside the MCU 63.

In a case where a constant current flows through the first load 45 when the resistance value of the first load 45 is acquired, the current sensor 672 in the first temperature detection element 67 is unnecessary. Similarly, in a case where a constant voltage is applied to the first load 45 when the resistance value of the first load 45 is acquired, the voltage sensor 671 in the first temperature detection element 67 is unnecessary.

The voltage sensor 681 measures a value of a voltage applied to the second load 34 and outputs the value of the voltage. The current sensor 682 measures a value of a current that flows through the second load 34 and outputs the value of the current. An output of the voltage sensor 681 and an output of the current sensor 682 are input to the MCU 63. The MCU 63 acquires a resistance value of the second load 34 based on the output of the voltage sensor 681 and the output of the current sensor 682, and acquires a temperature of the second load 34 based on the acquired resistance value of the second load 34.

Here, the temperature of the second load 34 does not strictly coincide with the temperature of the flavor source 52 heated by the second load 34, and can be regarded as substantially the same as the temperature of the flavor source 52. In addition, the temperature of the second load 34 does not strictly coincide with the temperature of the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50 heated by the second load 34, and can be regarded as substantially the same as the temperature of the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50. Therefore, the second temperature detection element 68 can also be used as a temperature detection element for detecting the temperature of the flavor source 52 or the temperature of the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50. Specifically, for example, the voltage sensor 681 and the current sensor 682 may be implemented by an operational amplifier and an analog-to-digital converter. At least a part of the voltage sensor 681 and/or at least a part of the current sensor 682 may be provided inside the MCU 63.

In a case where a constant current flows through the second load 34 when the resistance value of the second load 34 is acquired, the current sensor 682 in the second temperature detection element 68 is unnecessary. Similarly, in a case where a constant voltage is applied to the second load 34 when the resistance value of the second load 34 is acquired, the voltage sensor 681 in the second temperature detection element 68 is unnecessary.

Even when the second temperature detection element 68 is provided in the capsule holder 30 or the cartridge 40, the temperature of the second load 34, the temperature of the flavor source 52, or the temperature of the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50 can be acquired based on an output of the second temperature detection element 68, and the second temperature detection element 68 is preferably provided in the power supply unit 10 with a lowest replacement frequency in the aerosol inhaler 1. In this way, it is possible to reduce the manufacturing cost of the capsule holder 30 and the cartridge 40 and provide, to the user at low cost, the capsule holder 30 and the cartridge 40 whose replacement frequencies are higher than that of the power supply unit 10.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a specific example of the power supply unit 10 shown in FIG. 6 . FIG. 7 shows a specific example of a configuration in which the current sensor 682 is not provided as the second temperature detection element 68 and the current sensor 672 is not provided as the first temperature detection element 67.

As shown in FIG. 7 , the power supply unit 10 includes the power supply 61, the MCU 63, the LDO regulator 65, a parallel circuit Cl including a switch SW1 and a series circuit of a resistance element R1 and a switch SW2 connected in parallel to the switch SW1, a parallel circuit C2 including a switch SW3 and a series circuit of a resistance element R2 and a switch SW4 connected in parallel to the switch SW3, an operational amplifier OP1 and an analog-to-digital converter ADC1 that constitute the voltage sensor 671, and an operational amplifier OP2 and an analog-to-digital converter ADC2 that constitute the voltage sensor 681. At least one of the operational amplifier OP1 and the operational amplifier OP2 may be provided inside the MCU 63.

The resistance element described in the present description may be an element having a fixed electric resistance value, for example, a resistor, a diode, or a transistor. In the example of FIG. 7 , each of the resistance element R1 and the resistance element R2 is a resistor.

The switch described in the present description is a switching element such as a transistor that switches a wiring path between disconnection and conduction, and for example, the switch may be a bipolar transistor such as an insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) or a field effect transistor such as a metal-oxide-semiconductor field-effect transistor (MOSFET). In addition, the switch described in the present description may be implemented by a relay. In the example of FIG. 7 , each of the switches SW1 to SW4 is a transistor.

The LDO regulator 65 is connected to a main positive bus LU connected to a positive electrode of the power supply 61. The MCU 63 is connected to the LDO regulator 65 and a main negative bus LD connected to a negative electrode of the power supply 61. The MCU 63 is also connected to each of the switches SW1 to SW4, and controls opening and closing of the switches SW1 to SW4. The LDO regulator 65 steps down the voltage from the power supply 61 and outputs the stepped-down voltage. An output voltage V. of the LDO regulator 65 is also used as an operation voltage of each of the MCU 63, the DC/DC converter 66, the operational amplifier OP1, the operational amplifier OP2, and the notification unit 16. Alternatively, at least one of the MCU 63, the DC/DC converter 66, the operational amplifier OP1, the operational amplifier OP2, and the notification unit 16 may use the output voltage of the power supply 61 as an operation voltage. Alternatively, at least one of the MCU 63, the DC/DC converter 66, the operational amplifier OP1, the operational amplifier OP2, and the notification unit 16 may use a voltage output from a regulator (not shown) other than the LDO regulator 65 as an operation voltage. The output voltage of the regulator may be different from V0 or may be the same as V0.

The DC/DC converter 66 is connected to the main positive bus LU. The first load 45 is connected to the main negative bus LD. The parallel circuit C1 is connected to the DC/DC converter 66 and the first load 45.

The parallel circuit C2 is connected to the main positive bus LU. The second load 34 is connected to the parallel circuit C2 and the main negative bus LD.

A non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to a connection node between the parallel circuit Cl and the first load 45. An inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 is connected to an output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 and the main negative bus LD via a resistance element.

A non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 is connected to a connection node between the parallel circuit C2 and the second load 34. An inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 is connected to an output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 and the main negative bus LD via a resistance element.

The analog-to-digital converter ADC1 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP1. The analog-to-digital converter ADC2 is connected to the output terminal of the operational amplifier OP2. The analog-to-digital converter ADC1 and the analog-to-digital converter ADC2 may be provided outside the MCU 63.

(MCU)

Next, functions of the MCU 63 will be described. The MCU 63 includes a temperature detection unit, a power control unit, and a notification control unit as functional blocks implemented by the processor executing a program stored in a ROM.

The temperature detection unit acquires a first temperature T1 which is a temperature of the first load 45 based on an output of the first temperature detection element 67. In addition, the temperature detection unit acquires a second temperature T2, which is the temperature of the second load 34, the temperature of the flavor source 52, or the temperature of the accommodation chamber 53, based on an output of the second temperature detection element 68.

In the case of a circuit example shown in FIG. 7 , the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW3, and the switch SW4 to be in a disconnection state, and controls the DC/DC converter 66 to output a predetermined constant voltage. Further, the temperature detection unit acquires an output value (the value of the voltage applied to the first load 45) of the analog-to-digital converter ADC1 in a state in which the switch SW2 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and acquires the first temperature T1 based on the output value.

The non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 may be connected to a terminal of the resistance element R1 on a DC/DC converter 66 side, and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP1 may be connected to a terminal of the resistance element R1 on a switch SW2 side. In this case, the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW3, and the switch SW4 to be in a disconnection state, and controls the DC/DC converter 66 to output a predetermined constant voltage.

Furthermore, the temperature detection unit can acquire an output value of the analog-to-digital converter ADC1 (a value of a voltage applied to the resistance element R1) in a state where the switch SW2 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and acquire the first temperature T1 based on the output value.

In addition, in the case of the circuit example shown in FIG. 7 , the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW2, and the switch SW3 to be in a disconnection state, and controls an element such as a DC/DC converter (not shown) so as to output a predetermined constant voltage. Further, the temperature detection unit acquires an output value (the value of the voltage applied to the second load 34) of the analog-to-digital converter ADC2 in a state in which the switch SW4 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and acquires the second temperature T2 based on the output value.

The non-inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 may be connected to a terminal of the resistance element R2 on a main positive bus line LU side, and the inverting input terminal of the operational amplifier OP2 may be connected to a terminal of the resistance element R2 on a switch SW4 side. In this case, the temperature detection unit controls the switch SW1, the switch SW2, and the switch SW3 to be in a disconnection state, and controls an element such as a DC/DC converter (not shown) so as to output a predetermined constant voltage. Further, the temperature detection unit can acquire an output value of the analog-to-digital converter ADC2 (a value of a voltage applied to the resistance element R2) in a state in which the switch SW4 is controlled to be in a conductive state, and acquire the second temperature T2 based on the output value.

The notification control unit controls the notification unit 16 to notify the user of various kinds of information. For example, when it is detected to be a replacement timing of the capsule 50, the notification control unit controls the notification unit 16 to perform a capsule replacement notification for prompting replacement of the capsule 50. In addition, when it is detected to be a replacement timing of the cartridge 40, the notification control unit controls the notification unit 16 to perform a cartridge replacement notification for prompting replacement of the cartridge 40. Further, when it is detected that a remaining amount of the power supply 61 is low, the notification control unit may control the notification unit 16 to make a notification for prompting replacement or charging of the power supply 61, or may control the notification unit 16 to make a notification about a control state (for example, a discharge mode to be described later) of the MCU 63 at a predetermined timing.

The power control unit controls discharging from the power supply 61 to the first load 45 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as discharging to the first load 45) and discharging from the power supply 61 to the second load 34 (hereinafter, also simply referred to as discharging to the second load 34). For example, when the power supply unit 10 has the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 7 , the power control unit can implement the discharging to the first load 45 by setting the switch SW2, the switch SW3, and the switch SW4 to a disconnection state (that is, OFF) and setting the switch SW1 to a conductive state (that is, ON). In addition, when the power supply unit 10 has the circuit configuration shown in FIG. 7 , the power control unit can implement the discharging to the second load 34 by setting the switch SW1, the switch SW2, and the switch SW4 to a disconnection state and setting the switch SW3 to a conductive state.

When an aerosol generation request from the user is detected based on an output of the inhalation sensor 62 (that is, when the user performs an inhaling operation), the power control unit performs the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34. Accordingly, the aerosol source 71 is heated by the first load 45 (that is, aerosol is generated) and the flavor source 52 is heated by the second load 34 in response to the aerosol generation request. At this time, the power control unit controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 such that an amount of a flavor component added from the flavor source 52 (hereinafter, simply referred to as a flavor component amount, and for example, a flavor component amount W_(flavor) to be described later) to aerosol (vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71) generated in response to the aerosol generation request converges to a predetermined target amount. The target amount is a value determined as appropriate, and for example, a target range of the flavor component amount may be determined as appropriate, and a median value in the target range may be determined as the target amount.

Accordingly, the flavor component amount converges to the target amount, such that the flavor component amount can converge in the target range having a certain range. A unit of the flavor component amount and the target amount may be weight (for example, [mg]).

As described above, the cartridge 40 mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1 includes a cartridge of a menthol type in which the aerosol source 71 contains menthol and a cartridge of a regular type in which the aerosol source 71 does not contain menthol. Similarly, the capsule 50 mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1 includes a capsule of a menthol type in which the flavor source 52 contains menthol and a capsule of a regular type in which the flavor source 52 does not contain menthol.

Therefore, the aerosol inhaler 1 may be in a state in which the cartridge 40 of a menthol type is mounted and the capsule 50 of a menthol type is mounted, in other words, in a state in which both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol.

The aerosol inhaler 1 may be in a state in which the cartridge 40 of a menthol type is mounted and the capsule 50 of a regular type is mounted, in other words, in a state in which only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol.

The aerosol inhaler 1 may be in a state in which the cartridge 40 of a regular type is mounted, the capsule 50 of a menthol type is mounted, in other words, in a state in which only the flavor source 52 contains menthol.

The aerosol inhaler 1 may be in a state in which the cartridge 40 of a regular type is mounted and the capsule 50 of a regular type is mounted, in other words, in a state in which neither the aerosol source 71 nor the flavor source 52 contains menthol.

In the aerosol inhaler 1, it is preferable to appropriately control the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol between the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52. Therefore, the MCU 63 can determine (identify) types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1, that is, can determine (identify) whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol. The determination on whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol may be implemented using any method. For example, as will be described later, the MCU 63 may determine whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol based on an operation performed on the operation unit 15.

The power control unit controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 based on a determination result (an identification result) on whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol. In this way, it is possible to set a manner of the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 to be different from each other in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol by controlling the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol between the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately control the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol.

For example, it is assumed that the aerosol inhaler 1 is in a state in which both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol (that is, both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of a menthol type). In this case, the power control unit controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the discharging to the second load 34 by a menthol mode. A manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is different from a manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in a regular mode to be described later. For example, the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a voltage applied to the first load 45 is increased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is increased (that is, changed) continuously, as will be described later with reference to part (b) of FIG. 13 . Accordingly, an amount of aerosol generated by being heated with the first load 45 can be changed. Therefore, an amount of menthol derived from the aerosol source 71 and an amount of menthol derived from the flavor source 52 can be highly controlled.

A manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol is different from a manner of discharging to the second load 34 in the regular mode to be described later. For example, the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a target temperature of the second load 34 is decreased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is decreased (that is, changed) continuously, as will be described later with reference to part (a) of FIG. 13 . Accordingly, for example, an appropriate amount of menthol can be supplied to the user and menthol provided to the user can be stabilized at an appropriate amount in a period before the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) in the capsule 50 and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state and in a period after the flavor source 52 and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state, as will be descried later.

For example, it is assumed that the aerosol inhaler 1 is in a state in which only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol (that is, the cartridge 40 is of a menthol type and the capsule 50 is of a regular type). In this case, the power control unit also controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the discharging to the second load 34 by the menthol mode. A manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is different from the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode and the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the regular mode in the above-described case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol. For example, the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a voltage applied to the first load 45 is decreased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is decreased (that is, changed) continuously, as will be described later with reference to part (b) of FIG. 14 . Accordingly, an amount of aerosol generated by being heated with the first load 45 can be changed. Therefore, an amount of menthol derived from the aerosol source 71 and an amount of menthol derived from the flavor source 52 can be highly controlled.

The manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol is the same as, for example, the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol. That is, the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a target temperature of the second load 34 is decreased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is decreased (that is, changed) continuously (see part (a) of FIG. 13 and part (a) of FIG. 14 ). In other words, the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is different from the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the regular mode. Accordingly, in this case, an appropriate amount of menthol can also be supplied to the user and menthol provided to the user can also be stabilized at an appropriate amount in a period before the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) in the capsule 50 and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state and in a period after the flavor source 52 and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state.

For example, it is assumed that the aerosol inhaler 1 is in a state where neither the aerosol source 71 nor the flavor source 52 contains menthol (that is, both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of a regular type). In this case, the power control unit controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the discharging to the second load 34 by the regular mode. The manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the regular mode is, for example, a manner in which a voltage applied to the first load 45 is maintained constant, as will be described later with reference to part (b) of FIG. 13 . Accordingly, control on the voltage applied to the first load 45 (that is, the power supplied to the first load 45) can be simplified in the regular mode.

The manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the regular mode is, for example, a manner in which a target temperature of the second load 34 is increased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is increased (that is, changed) continuously, as will be described later with reference to part (a) of FIG. 13 . Accordingly, it is possible to compensate the flavor component (that is, flavor derived from the flavor source 52), which decreases due to inhalation of the user, by increasing the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, flavor source 52) in the regular mode.

For example, the aerosol inhaler 1 is in a state in which only the flavor source 52 contains menthol (that is, the cartridge 40 is of a regular type and the capsule 50 is of a menthol type). In this case, the power control unit also controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the discharging to the second load 34 by the menthol mode. The manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is different from the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the above-described case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol and the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the case where only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol. For example, the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is the same as the manner of discharging to the first load 45 in the regular mode. That is, the manner of the discharging to the first load 45 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a voltage applied to the first load 45 is maintained constant. Accordingly, an amount of aerosol generated by being heated with the first load 45 can be made constant, and an amount of menthol that is derived from the flavor source 52 and generated by being heated with the second load 34 can be easily controlled.

A manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol is different from the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in the above-described case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol and the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in the case where only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol. For example, the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is the same as the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the regular mode. That is, the manner of the discharging to the second load 34 in the menthol mode in this case is a manner in which a target temperature of the second load 34 is increased (that is, changed) in a stepwise manner or is increased (that is, changed) continuously. Accordingly, desorption of menthol adsorbed to the flavor source 52 (specifically, cigarette granules 521) from the flavor source 52 can be gradually progressed, and an amount of menthol provided to the user (that is, a flavor derived from menthol) can be stabilized.

In a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol, the power control unit also controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the discharging to the second load 34 by the regular mode.

(Various Parameters Used for Generating Aerosol)

Before specific control on the discharging to the first load 45 and the like performed by the MCU 63 is described, various parameters used for the control on the discharging to the first load 45 and the like performed by the MCU 63 will be described.

A weight [mg] of aerosol that is generated by being heated with the first load 45 and that passes through the flavor source 52 (that is, inside the capsule 50) in response to one inhaling operation performed by the user is defined as an aerosol weight W_(aerosol). Power required to be supplied to the first load 45 in order to generate aerosol having the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) is defined as atomized power P_(liquid). A supply time of the atomized power P_(liquid) to the first load 45 is defined as a supply time t_(sense). From the viewpoint of preventing overheating of the first load 45 and the like, a predetermined upper limit value t_(upper) (for example, 2.4 [s]) is set for the supply time t_(sense), and the MCU 63 stops power supply to the first load 45 regardless of an output value of the inhalation sensor 62 when the supply time t_(sense) reaches the upper limit value t_(upper) (see steps S19 and S20 to be described later).

A weight [mg] of a flavor component contained in the flavor source 52 when the user performs an inhaling operation for n_(puff) times (n_(puff) is a natural number of 0 or more) after the capsule 50 is mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1 is defined as a flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)). A weight [mg] of a flavor component contained in the flavor source 52 of the new capsule 50 (capsule 50 in which the inhaling operation is not performed even once after being mounted), that is, the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)=0) is also defined as W_(initial).

A weight [mg] of a flavor component added to the aerosol passing through the flavor source 52 (that is, inside the capsule 50) in response to one inhaling operation performed by the user is defined as a flavor component amount W_(flavor). A parameter related to a temperature of the flavor source 52 is defined as a temperature parameter T_(capsule). The temperature parameter T_(capsule) is a parameter indicating the second temperature T2 described above, and is, for example, a parameter indicating a temperature of the second load 34.

It is experimentally found that the flavor component amount W_(flavor) depends on the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule), the temperature parameter T_(capsule), and the aerosol weight W_(aerosol). Therefore, the flavor component amount W_(flavor) can be modeled by the following formula (1).

W _(flavor)=β×(W _(capsule) ×T _(capsule))×γ×W _(aerosol)   (1)

β in the above formula (1) is a coefficient indicating a ratio of a flavor component to be added to the aerosol generated in response to one inhaling operation performed by the user when the aerosol passes through the flavor source 52, and is obtained from experiments. γ in the above formula (1) is a coefficient obtained from experiments. In a period in which one inhaling operation is performed, the temperature parameter T_(capsule) and the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) may vary, and γ is introduced here in order to treat the temperature parameter T_(capsule) and the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) as constant values.

The flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) is decreased each time the user performs an inhaling operation. Therefore, the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) is inversely proportional to the number of times of the inhaling operation (hereinafter, also referred to as the number of times of inhalation). In the aerosol inhaler 1, since the discharging to the first load 45 is performed each time an inhaling operation is performed, it can be said that the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) is inversely proportional to the number of times the discharging to the first load 45 is performed to generate aerosol or a cumulative value in a period in which the discharging to the first load 45 is performed.

As can be seen from the above formula (1), when it is assumed that the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) generated in response to one inhaling operation performed by the user is controlled to be substantially constant, it is necessary to increase the temperature parameter T_(capsule) (that is, the temperature of the flavor source 52) as the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) decreases (that is, the number of times of inhalation increases) in order to stabilize the flavor component amount W_(flavor).

Therefore, when the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1 are of a regular type (that is, when neither the aerosol source 71 nor the flavor source 52 contains menthol), the MCU 63 (the power control unit) sets a discharge mode for controlling the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 to a regular mode. When the discharge mode is set to the regular mode, the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the second load 34 in order to increase the temperature of the flavor source 52 as the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) decreases (that is, the number of times of inhalation increases) (see FIGS. 13 and 14 ).

On the other hand, when the cartridge 40 or the capsule 50 mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1 is of a menthol type (that is, when the aerosol source 71 or the flavor source 52 contains menthol), the MCU 63 (the power control unit) sets the discharge mode to a menthol mode different from the regular mode. When the discharge mode is set to the menthol mode, the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the second load 34 in order to lower the temperature of the flavor source 52 as the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) decreases (that is, the number of times of inhalation increases) from the viewpoint of supplying an appropriate amount of menthol to the user (see FIGS. 13 and 14 ). Accordingly, as will be described later, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of menthol to the user.

When the temperature of the flavor source 52 is lowered as the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) decreases, the flavor component amount W_(flavor) decreases. Therefore, when the temperature of the flavor source 52 is lowered as the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) decreases, the MCU 63 may increase the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) by increasing a voltage applied to the first load 45 to increase the power supplied to the first load 45 (see FIG. 13 ). Accordingly, a decrease in the flavor component amount W_(flavor) caused by lowering the temperature of the flavor source 52 in order to supply an appropriate amount of menthol to the user can be compensated by an increase in the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) of aerosol generated by being heated with the first load 45. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a decrease in the flavor component amount W_(flavor) supplied to the mouth of the user, and it is possible to stably supply menthol and a flavor component to the user.

(Operation of Aerosol Inhaler)

Next, an example of an operation of the aerosol inhaler 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. 8 to 12 . For example, the operation of the aerosol inhaler 1 to be described below is implemented by a processor of the MCU 63 executing a program stored in advance in the memory 63 a or the like.

As shown in FIG. 8 , the MCU 63 is in standby until a power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is turned on by an operation performed on the operation unit 15 or the like (step S0: NO loop). When the power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is turned on (step S0: YES), the MCU 63 transitions an operation mode of the aerosol inhaler 1 to a startup mode in which aerosol can be generated, and executes flavor identification processing (to be described later) of identifying types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 (step S1).

The MCU 63 may start the discharging to the second load 34 such that a target temperature of the second load 34 (hereinafter, also referred to as a target temperature T_(cap_target)) to be described later converges to a predetermined temperature in response to the transition to the startup mode. Accordingly, the second load 34 can be preheated in response to the transition to the startup mode, and a temperature of the second load 34 and the flavor source 52 can be increased at an early stage. For example, as will be described later, the initial target temperature T_(cap_target) is set to 80 [° C.] which is high in the menthol mode from the viewpoint of ensuring an amount of menthol that can be supplied to the user. Although a certain period of time is required for the second load 34 to reach such a high temperature, the second load 34 is promoted to reach such a high temperature at an early stage by preheating the second load 34 in response to the transition to the startup mode. Therefore, in a case where the aerosol source 71 or the like contains menthol, an amount of menthol (the flavor derived from menthol) provided to the user can be stabilized at an early stage, and an appropriate amount of menthol can be stably supplied to the user immediately after the transition to the startup mode (for example, after a so-called inhalation start).

The MCU 63 may start the discharging to the second load 34 before executing the flavor identification processing, that is, before determining whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol. Accordingly, a timing when preheating of the second load 34 is started can be advanced, and the temperature of the second load 34 and the flavor source 52 can be increased at an early stage. In a case where the discharging to the second load 34 before executing the flavor identification processing in this way is started, when the MCU 63 executes the flavor identification processing (that is, when the MCU 63 determines whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol), the preheating of the second load 34 is ended. Thereafter, the MCU 63 may start the discharging to the second load 34 in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol between the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52. Accordingly, after determining whether the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol, it is possible to appropriately control the discharging to the second load 34 in accordance with the determined target.

When preheating of the second load 34 is performed in response to the transition to the startup mode, for example, the MCU 63 sets the target temperature (the predetermined temperature) of the second load 34 during the preheating to be a temperature lower than a minimum value (60 [° C.] in the present embodiment) of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol and in a case where only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the second load 34 and the flavor source 52 from being excessively heated due to the preheating of the second load 34, it is possible to preheat the second load 34 to an appropriate temperature, it is possible to stabilize flavor, and it is possible to reduce power consumption due to the preheating of the second load 34. Specifically, even when both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol or only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol, it is possible to prevent the flavor source 52 from being excessively heated due to the preheating of the second load 34, and it is possible to prevent a large amount of menthol which may lead to a decrease in flavor from being supplied to the user.

When preheating of the second load 34 is performed in response to the transition to the startup mode, for example, the MCU 63 sets the target temperature of the second load 34 during the preheating to a temperature lower than a minimum value (30 [° C.] in the present embodiment) of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the regular mode. Since the discharging to the second load 34 in a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol is controlled in the same discharging manner as the regular mode, in other words, the MCU 63 sets the target temperature of the second load 34 during preheating to a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol. Accordingly, in a case where neither the aerosol source 71 nor the flavor source 52 contains menthol and in a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol, it is possible to prevent the second load 34 and the flavor source 52 from being excessively heated due to the preheating of the second load 34, it is possible to preheat the second load 34 to an appropriate temperature, it is possible to stabilize flavor, and it is possible to reduce power consumption due to the preheating of the second load 34. Specifically, in a case where neither the aerosol source 71 nor the flavor source 52 contains menthol and in a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol, it is possible to prevent the flavor source 52 from being excessively heated due to the preheating of the second load 34, and it is possible to prevent a large amount of flavor component or menthol which may lead to a decrease in flavor from being supplied to the user.

In the present embodiment, as will be described later, the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the regular mode is a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol and in a case where only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol. Therefore, by setting the target temperature of the second load 34 during the preheating to a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the regular mode, the target temperature of the second load 34 during the preheating naturally becomes a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol and in a case where only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol. Therefore, by setting the target temperature of the second load 34 during the preheating to a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the regular mode, it is possible to prevent the second load 34 and the flavor source 52 from being excessively heated due to the preheating of the second load 34, it is possible to stabilize flavor, and it is possible to reduce power consumption due to the preheating of the second load 34 regardless of the target containing (or not containing) menthol between the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52.

Next, the MCU 63 determines whether the cartridge 40 or the capsule 50 is of a menthol type based on a processing result of the flavor identification processing (step S2). For example, when it is set that the cartridge 40 or the capsule 50 is of a menthol type as the processing result of the flavor identification processing, the MCU 63 makes an affirmative determination in step S2 (step S2: YES), and executes menthol mode processing in order to control the discharging from the power supply 61 to the first load 45 and the second load 34 by the menthol mode.

In the menthol mode processing, the MCU 63 first notifies the user of the menthol mode by the notification unit 16 (step S3). At this time, for example, the MCU 63 causes the light emitting element 161 to emit green light and causes the vibration element 162 to vibrate, thereby notifying the user of the menthol mode.

Next, the MCU 63 sets the target temperature T_(cap_target) and the atomized power to be supplied to the first load 45 (hereinafter, also referred to as atomized power P_(liquid)) based on the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)−1) contained in the flavor source 52 (step S4), and proceeds to step S5. Here, when the inhaling operation is not performed even once after the new capsule 50 is mounted, the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)−1) is W_(initial), and when the inhaling operation is performed once or more, the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)−1) is the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)) calculated by remaining amount update processing (to be described later) immediately before the inhaling operation. A specific setting example of the target temperature T_(cap_target) and the like in the menthol mode will be described later with reference to FIGS. 13 and 14 .

Next, the MCU 63 acquires a current temperature of the second load 34 (hereinafter, also referred to as temperature T_(cap_sense)) based on an output of the second temperature detection element 68 (step S5). The temperature T_(cap_sense) which is a temperature of the second load 34 is an example of the temperature parameter T_(capsule) described above. Here, although an example in which the temperature of the second load 34 is used as the temperature parameter T_(capsule) is described, a temperature of the flavor source 52 or the accommodation chamber 53 may be used instead of the temperature of the second load 34.

Next, the MCU 63 controls the discharging from the power supply 61 to the second load 34 based on the set target temperature T_(cap_target) and the acquired temperature T_(cap_sense) such that the temperature T_(cap_sense) converges to the target temperature T_(cap_target) (step S6). At this time, the MCU 63 performs, for example, proportional-integral-differential (PID) control such that the temperature T_(cap_sense) converges to the target temperature T_(cap_target).

As the control for converging the temperature T_(cap_sense) to the target temperature T_(cap_target), ON and OFF control for turning on and off the power supply to the second load 34, proportional (P) control, proportional-integral (PI) control, or the like may be used instead of the PID control. The target temperature T_(cap_target) may have hysteresis.

Next, the MCU 63 determines whether there is an aerosol generation request (step S7). When there is no aerosol generation request (step S7: NO), the MCU 63 determines whether a predetermined period is elapsed in a state in which there is no aerosol generation request (step S8). When the predetermined period is not elapsed in a state in which there is no aerosol generation request (step S8: NO), the MCU 63 returns to step S6.

When the predetermined period is elapsed in a state in which there is no aerosol generation request (step S8: YES), the MCU 63 stops the discharging to the second load 34 (step S9), transitions the operation mode of the aerosol inhaler 1 to a sleep mode (step S10), and proceeds to step S29 to be described later. Here, the sleep mode is an operation mode in which power consumption of the aerosol inhaler 1 is lower than that in the startup mode, and that can be transitioned to the startup mode. Therefore, the MCU 63 transitions the aerosol inhaler 1 to the sleep mode, such that power consumption of the aerosol inhaler 1 can be reduced while maintaining a state capable of returning to the startup mode as needed.

On the other hand, when there is an aerosol generation request (step S7: YES), the MCU 63 temporarily stops the heating of the flavor source 52 performed by the second load 34 (that is, the discharging to the second load 34), and acquires the temperature T_(cap_sense) based on an output of the second temperature detection element 68 (step S11). The MCU 63 may not stop the heating of the flavor source 52 performed by the second load 34 (that is, the discharging to the second load 34) when executing step S11.

Next, the MCU 63 determines whether the acquired temperature T_(cap_sense) is higher than the set target temperature T_(cap_target)−δ(δ≥0) (step S12). δ can be freely determined by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. When the temperature T_(cap_sense) is higher than the target temperature T_(cap_target)−δ (step S12: YES), the MCU 63 sets the current atomized power P_(liquid)−Δ(Δ>0) as a new atomized power P_(liquid) (step S13), and proceeds to step S16.

In the present embodiment, when the target temperature T_(cap_target) is controlled by the menthol mode, the MCU 63 changes the target temperature T_(cap_target) from 80 [° C.] to 60 [° C.] in a predetermined period, details of which will be described later with reference to FIG. 13 and the like. Immediately after the target temperature T_(cap_target) is changed in such a manner, the temperature T_(cap_sense) (for example, 80 [° C.]) which is the temperature of the second load 34 at that time may exceed the target temperature T_(cap_target) (that is, 60 [° C.]) after the change. In such a case, the MCU 63 makes an affirmative determination in step S12 and performs processing in step S13 to reduce the atomized power P_(liquid). Accordingly, even when an actual temperature of the flavor source 52, the second load 34, or the like is higher than 60 [° C.] immediately after the target temperature T_(cap_target) is changed from 80 [° C.] to 60 [° C.], the atomized power P_(liquid) can be reduced, and an amount of the aerosol source 71 that is generated by being heated with the first load 45 and is supplied to the flavor source 52 can be reduced. Therefore, it is possible to prevent a large amount of menthol from being supplied to the mouth of the user, and it is possible to stably supply an appropriate amount of menthol to the user.

On the other hand, when the temperature T_(cap_sense) is not higher than the target temperature T_(cap_target)−δ (step S12: NO), the MCU 63 determines whether the temperature T_(cap_sense) is lower than the target temperature T_(cap_target)−δ (step S14). When the temperature T_(cap_sense) is lower than the target temperature T_(cap_target)−δ (step S14: YES), the MCU 63 sets the current atomized power P_(liquid)+Δ as a new atomized power P_(liquid) (step S15), and proceeds to step S16.

On the other hand, when the temperature T_(cap_sense) is not lower than the target temperature T_(cap_target)−δ (step S14: NO), since the temperature T_(cap_sense)=the target temperature T_(cap_target)−δ, the MCU 63 maintains the current atomized power P_(liquid) and proceeds to step S16.

Next, the MCU 63 notifies the user of the current discharge mode (step S16). For example, in the case of the menthol mode (that is, in a case where menthol mode processing is executed), in step S16, the MCU 63 notifies the user of the menthol mode by, for example, causing the light emitting element 161 to emit green light. On the other hand, in the case of the regular mode (that is, in a case where regular mode processing is executed), in step 516, the MCU 63 notifies the user of the regular mode by, for example, causing the light emitting element 161 to emit white light.

Next, the MCU 63 controls the DC/DC converter 66 such that the atomized power P_(liquid) set in step S13 or step S15 is supplied to the first load 45 (step S17). Specifically, the MCU 63 controls a voltage applied to the first load 45 by the DC/DC converter 66, such that the atomized power P_(liquid) is supplied to the first load 45. Accordingly, the atomized power P_(liquid) is supplied to the first load 45, the aerosol source 71 is heated by the first load 45, and the vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71 is generated.

Next, the MCU 63 determines whether the aerosol generation request is ended (step S18). When the aerosol generation request is not ended (step S18: NO), the MCU 63 determines whether an elapsed time from the start of the supply of the atomized power P_(liquid), that is, the supply time t_(sense), reaches the upper limit value t_(upper) (step S19). When the supply time t_(sense) does not reach the upper limit value t_(upper) (step S19: NO), the MCU 63 returns to step S16. In this case, the supply of the atomized power P_(liquid) to the first load 45, that is, the generation of the vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71, is continued.

On the other hand, when the aerosol generation request is ended (step S18: YES), and when the supply time t_(sense) reaches the upper limit value t_(upper) (step S19: YES), the MCU 63 stops the supply of the atomized power P_(liquid) to the first load 45 (that is, the discharging to the first load 45) (step S20), and executes remaining amount update processing of calculating the flavor component remaining amount contained in the flavor source 52.

In the remaining amount update processing, the MCU 63 first acquires the supply time t_(sense) in which the atomized power P_(liquid) is supplied (step S21). Next, the MCU 63 adds “1” to n_(puff) which is a count value of a puff number counter (step S22).

Further, the MCU 63 updates the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)) contained in the flavor source 52 based on the acquired supply time t_(sense), the atomized power P_(liquid) supplied to the first load 45 in response to the aerosol generation request, and the target temperature T_(cap_target) set when the aerosol generation request is detected (step S23). For example, the MCU 63 calculates the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)) according to the following formula (2), and stores the calculated flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)) in the memory 63 a, thereby updating the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)).

$\begin{matrix} {{W_{capsule}\left( n_{puff} \right)} = {{W_{initial} - {\delta \cdot {\sum\limits_{i = 1}^{n_{puff} - 1}{W_{flavor}(i)}}}} = {W_{initial} - {\delta \cdot {\sum_{i = 1}^{n_{puff} - 1}{\beta \cdot {W_{capsule}(i)} \cdot {T_{capsule}(i)} \cdot \gamma \cdot \alpha \cdot {P_{liquid}(i)} \cdot {t_{sense}(i)}}}}}}} & (2) \end{matrix}$

β and γ in the above formula (2) are the same as β and γ in the above formula (1), and are obtained from experiments. In addition, δ in the above formula (2) is the same as δ used in step S13, and is set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. α in the above formula (2) is a coefficient obtained from experiments in a similar manner to β and γ.

Next, the MCU 63 determines whether the updated flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)) is less than a predetermined remaining amount threshold that is a condition for performing a capsule replacement notification (step S24). When the updated flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)) is equal to or larger than the remaining amount threshold (step S24: NO), it is considered that the flavor component contained in the flavor source 52 (that is, in the capsule 50) is still sufficient, and thus the MCU 63 proceeds to step S29.

On the other hand, when the updated flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)) is less than the remaining amount threshold (step S24: YES), it is considered that the flavor component contained in the flavor source 52 almost runs out, and thus the MCU 63 determines whether replacement of the capsule 50 is performed for a predetermined number of times after replacement of the cartridge 40 (step S25). For example, in the present embodiment, the aerosol inhaler 1 is provided to the user in a manner of combining five capsules 50 with one cartridge 40. In this case, in step S25, the MCU 63 determines whether the replacement of the capsule 50 is performed for five times after the replacement of the cartridge 40.

When the replacement of the capsule 50 is not performed for a predetermined number of times after the replacement of the cartridge 40 (step S25: NO), it is considered that the cartridge 40 is still in a usable state, and thus the MCU 63 performs a capsule replacement notification (step S26). For example, the MCU 63 performs the capsule replacement notification by operating the notification unit 16 in an operation mode for the capsule replacement notification.

On the other hand, when the replacement of the capsule 50 is performed for a predetermined number of times after the replacement of the cartridge 40 (step S25: YES), it is considered that the cartridge 40 reaches the end of life, and thus the MCU 63 performs a cartridge replacement notification (step S27). For example, the MCU 63 performs the cartridge replacement notification by operating the notification unit 16 in an operation mode for the cartridge replacement notification.

Next, the MCU 63 resets the count value of the puff number counter to 1 and initializes the setting of the target temperature T_(cap_target)(step S28). In initialization on the setting of the target temperature T_(cap_target), for example, the MCU 63 sets the target temperature T_(cap_target) to −273 [° C.] which is an absolute zero degree. Accordingly, regardless of the temperature of the second load 34 at that time, the discharging to the second load 34 can be substantially stopped and the heating of the flavor source 52 performed by the second load 34 can be substantially stopped.

Next, the MCU 63 determines whether the power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is turned off by an operation performed on the operation unit 15 or the like (step S29). When the power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is turned off (step S29: YES), the MCU 63 ends the series of processing. On the other hand, when the power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is not turned off (step S29: NO), the MCU 63 returns to step 51.

When the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are set to the regular type as a processing result of the flavor identification processing in step 51, the MCU 63 makes a negative determination in step S2 (step S2: NO), and executes the regular mode processing to control the discharging from the power supply 61 to the first load 45 and the second load 34 by the regular mode.

In the regular mode processing, the MCU 63 first notifies the user of the regular mode by the notification unit 16 (step S30). At this time, for example, the MCU 63 causes the light emitting element 161 to emit white light and causes the vibration element 162 to vibrate, thereby notifying the user of the regular mode.

Next, the MCU 63 determines the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) required to achieve the target flavor component amount W_(flavor) based on the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)−1) contained in the flavor source 52 (step S31). In step S31, for example, the MCU 63 calculates the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) according to the following formula (3) obtained by modifying the above formula (1), and determines the calculated aerosol weight W_(aerosol) as the aerosol weight W_(aerosol).

$\begin{matrix} {W_{aerosol} = \frac{W_{flavor}}{\beta \cdot {W_{capsule}\left( {n_{puff} - 1} \right)} \cdot T_{capsule} \cdot \gamma}} & (3) \end{matrix}$

β and γ in the above formula (3) are the same as β and γ in the above formula (1), and are obtained from experiments. In the above formula (3), the target flavor component amount W_(flavor) is set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. When the inhaling operation is not performed even once after the new capsule 50 is mounted, the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)−1) in the above formula (3) is W_(initial), and when the inhaling operation is performed once or more, the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)−1) in the above formula (3) is the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) (n_(puff)) calculated in remaining amount update processing immediately before the inhaling operation.

Next, the MCU 63 sets the atomized power P_(liquid) to be supplied to the first load 45 based on the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) determined in step S31 (step S32). In step S32, the MCU 63 calculates, for example, the atomized power P_(liquid) according to the following formula (4), and sets the calculated atomized power P_(liquid).

$\begin{matrix} {P_{liquid} = \frac{W_{aerosol}}{\alpha \cdot t}} & (4) \end{matrix}$

α in the above formula (4) is the same as a in the above formula (2), and is obtained from experiments. The aerosol weight W_(aerosol) in the above formula (4) is the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) determined in step S31. t in the above formula (4) is the supply time t_(sense) in which the atomized power P_(liquid) is expected to be supplied, and may have, for example, the upper limit value t_(upper).

Next, the MCU 63 determines whether the atomized power P_(liquid) determined in step S32 is equal to or smaller than predetermined upper limit power that can be discharged from the power supply 61 to the first load 45 at that time (step S33). When the atomized power P_(liquid) is equal to or smaller than the upper limit power (step S33: Yes), the MCU 63 returns to step S6 described above. On the other hand, when the atomized power P_(liquid) exceeds the upper limit power (step S33: NO), the MCU 63 increases the target temperature T_(cap_target) by a predetermined amount (step S34), and returns to step S30.

That is, as can be seen from the above formula (1), by increasing the target temperature T_(cap_target) (that is, T_(capsule)), the aerosol weight W_(aerosol) required to achieve the target flavor component amount W_(flavor) can be reduced by the increase amount of the target temperature T_(cap_target), and as a result, the atomized power P_(liquid) determined in the above step S32 can be reduced. The MCU 63 repeats steps S31 to S34, so that the determination in step S33 determined initially as NO is determined as YES, and the processing can be shifted to step S5 as shown in FIG. 8 .

(Flavor Identification Processing)

Next, the flavor identification processing shown in step S1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 12 , in the flavor identification processing, the MCU 63 first determines whether it is immediately after the power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is turned on (step S41). For example, the MCU 63 makes an affirmative determination in step S41 only in the case of the first time flavor identification processing after the power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is turned on.

Next, the MCU 63 tries to acquire types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 (step S42). The MCU 63 can acquire the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 based on, for example, an operation performed on the operation unit 15. In addition, each of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 may be provided with a storage medium (for example, an IC chip) that stores information indicating the types, and the MCU 63 may acquire the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 by reading the information stored in the storage medium. Further, electric resistance values of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 may be different according to types, and the MCU 63 may acquire the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 based on the electric resistance values. Instead of the electric resistance value, the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 may be acquired using other detectable physical quantities such as light transmittance and light reflectance of the capsule 50 and the cartridge 40.

Next, the MCU 63 determines whether the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are acquired in step S42 (step S43). When the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are acquired (step S43: YES), the MCU 63 stores information indicating the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 acquired in step S42 in the memory 63 a (step S44). Then, the MCU 63 sets the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 acquired in step S42 as a processing result of the current flavor identification processing, and ends the flavor identification processing.

On the other hand, when the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are not acquired (step S43: NO), the MCU 63 performs predetermined error processing (step S45), and ends the flavor identification processing. A situation in which the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 cannot be acquired may occur, for example, when mounting (connection) of the cartridge 40 to the power supply unit 10 is poor or the accommodation of the capsule 50 in the capsule holder 30 is poor. When the operation unit 15 is not operated, the MCU 63 cannot read information stored in the storage medium of the cartridge 40 or the capsule 50, or the electric resistance value, the light transmittance, or the light reflectance of the cartridge 40 or the capsule 50 has an abnormal value, the MCU 63 cannot acquire the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50.

When it is determined that it is not immediately after the power supply of the aerosol inhaler 1 is turned on (step S41: NO), the MCU 63 determines whether the cartridge 40 or the capsule 50 is attached or detached (step S46). When the cartridge 40 or the capsule 50 is attached or detached (step S46: YES), the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 may be changed, and thus the MCU 63 proceeds to step S42 described above and tries to acquire the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50.

On the other hand, when the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are not attached or detached (step S46: NO), there is no change in the types, and thus the MCU 63 reads the information indicating the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 stored in the memory 63 a. Then, the MCU 63 sets the types of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 indicated by the information read in step S47 as a processing result of the current flavor identification processing, and ends the flavor identification processing.

The MCU 63 may detect the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 using any method.

For example, the MCU 63 may detect the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 based on an electric resistance value between a pair of discharge terminals 12 acquired using the voltage sensor 671 and the current sensor 672 or an electric resistance value between a pair of discharge terminals 17 acquired using the voltage sensor 681 and the current sensor 682. It is clear that the electric resistance value between the discharge terminals 12 that can be acquired by the MCU 63 is different between a state in which the pair of discharge terminals 12 are electrically connected by connecting the first load 45 between the pair of discharge terminals 12 and a state in which the first load 45 is not connected between the pair of discharge terminals 12 and the pair of discharge terminals 12 are insulated by air. Therefore, the MCU 63 can detect the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 based on the electric resistance value between the discharge terminals 12.

Similarly, it is clear that the electric resistance value between the discharge terminals 17 that can be acquired by the MCU 63 is different between a state in which the pair of discharge terminals 17 are electrically connected by connecting the second load 34 between the pair of discharge terminals 17 and a state in which the second load 34 is not connected between the pair of discharge terminals 17 and the pair of discharge terminals 17 are insulated by air. Therefore, the MCU 63 can detect the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 based on the electric resistance value between the discharge terminals 17.

In addition, the MCU 63 may detect attachment and detachment of the capsule 50 based on fluctuation in the electric resistance value between the pair of discharge terminals 12 acquired using the voltage sensor 671 and the current sensor 672 or fluctuation in the electric resistance value between the pair of discharge terminals 17 acquired using the voltage sensor 681 and the current sensor 682. For example, when the capsule 50 is attached and detached, stress is applied to the discharge terminals 12 and the discharge terminals 17 due to the attachment and detachment. This stress causes fluctuation in the electric resistance value between the pair of discharge terminals 12 and the electric resistance value between the pair of discharge terminals 17. Therefore, the MCU 63 can detect the attachment and detachment of the capsule 50 based on the fluctuation in the electric resistance value between the discharge terminals 12 and the fluctuation in the electric resistance value between the discharge terminals 17.

In addition, the MCU 63 may detect attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 based on information stored in the storage medium provided in each of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50. For example, when the information stored in the storage medium transitions from an acquirable (readable) state to an unacquirable state, the MCU 63 detects detachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50. In addition, when the information stored in the storage medium transitions from an unacquirable state to an acquirable state, the MCU 63 detects the attachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50.

In addition, identification information (ID) for identifying the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 may be stored in the storage medium provided in each of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50, and the MCU 63 may detect attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 based on the identification information. In this case, when the identification information on the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 changes, the MCU 63 detects attachment and detachment (in this case, replacement) of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50.

In addition, the MCU 63 may detect the attachment and detachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 based on light transmittance and light reflectance of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50. For example, when the light transmittance and the light reflectance of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 change from a value indicating attachment to a value indicating detachment, the MCU 63 detects detachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50. When the light transmittance and the light reflectance of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 change from a value indicating detachment to a value indicating attachment, the MCU 63 detects attachment of the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50.

(Specific Control Example when Cartridge 40 and Capsule 50 are of Menthol Type)

Next, a specific control example of the MCU 63 when both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type (that is when both the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol) will be described with reference to FIG. 13 . Here, it is assumed that an inhaling operation is performed for a predetermined number of times from when the new capsule 50 is mounted on the aerosol inhaler 1 up to when the flavor component remaining amount in the capsule 50 is smaller than the above-described remaining amount threshold (that is, when the flavor component remaining amount in the capsule 50 almost runs out). In addition, it is assumed that a sufficient amount of the aerosol source 71 is stored in the cartridge 40 during a period in which the inhaling operation is performed for a predetermined number of times.

In parts (a), (b), and (c) of FIG. 13 , a horizontal axis indicates a remaining amount [mg] of the flavor component contained in the flavor source 52 in the capsule 50 (that is, the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule)). A vertical axis in part (a) of FIG. 13 indicates a target temperature (that is, the target temperature T_(cap_target)) [° C.] of the second load 34 which is a heater for heating the capsule 50 (that is, the flavor source 52). A vertical axis in part (b) of FIG. 13 indicates a voltage [V] applied to the first load 45 which is a heater for heating the aerosol source 71 stored in the cartridge 40.

A vertical axis at a left side in part (c) of FIG. 13 indicates an amount of menthol supplied to the mouth of the user by one inhaling operation [mg/puff]. A vertical axis at a right side in part (c) of FIG. 13 indicates an amount of the flavor component supplied to the mouth of the user by one inhaling operation [mg/puff]. Hereinafter, the amount of menthol supplied to the mouth of the user by one inhaling operation is also referred to as a unit supply menthol amount. Hereinafter, the amount of the flavor component supplied to the mouth of the user by one inhaling operation is also referred to as a unit supply flavor component amount.

In FIG. 13 , a first period Tm1 is a certain period immediately after the capsule 50 is replaced. Specifically, the first period Tm1 is a period from when the flavor component remaining amount in the capsule 50 is W_(initial) up to when the flavor component remaining amount in the capsule 50 reaches W_(th1) which is set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. Here, W_(th1) is set to a value smaller than W_(initial) and larger than W_(th2) that is the above-described remaining amount threshold which is a condition for performing the capsule replacement notification. For example, W_(th1) may be a flavor component remaining amount when the inhaling operation is performed for about ten times after the new capsule 50 is mounted. In FIG. 13 , a second period Tm2 is a period after the first period Tm1, and specifically, is a period from when the flavor component remaining amount in the capsule 50 reaches W_(th1) up to when the flavor component remaining amount reaches W_(th2).

When both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, as described above, the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 by the menthol mode. Specifically, in the menthol mode in this case, the MCU 63 sets the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 to 80 [° C.], as indicated by a thick solid line in part (a) of FIG. 13 .

For example, the target temperature (80 [° C.]) of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 in this case is a temperature higher than a melting point (for example, 42 [° C.] to 45 [° C.]) of the menthol and lower than a boiling point (for example, 212 [° C.] to 216 [° C.]) of the menthol. The target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 in this case may be a temperature equal to or lower than 90 [° C.]. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, in the first period Tm1, the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) is controlled to converge to 80 [° C.]. Therefore, in the first period Tm1, since the menthol adsorbed to the flavor source 52 is heated to an appropriate temperature by the second load 34, rapid progress of desorption of the menthol from the flavor source 52 can be prevented, and an appropriate amount of menthol can be stably supplied to the user.

Further, in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1, the MCU 63 sets the target temperature of the second load 34 to 60 [° C.] which is lower than the target temperature in the immediately preceding first period Tm1. For example, the target temperature (60 [° C.]) of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 in this case is also a temperature higher than the melting point of the menthol and lower than the boiling point of the menthol. The target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm2 in this case may be a temperature equal to or lower than 90 [° C.]. Accordingly, in the present embodiment, in the first period Tm2, the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) is controlled to converge to 60 [° C.]. Therefore, in the first period Tm2, since the menthol adsorbed to the flavor source 52 is heated to an appropriate temperature by the second load 34, rapid progress of desorption of the menthol from the flavor source 52 can be prevented, and an appropriate amount of menthol can be stably supplied to the user.

In this way, in the menthol mode in a case where the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, the MCU 63 increases the target temperature of the second load 34 in two stages from 80 [° C.] to 60 [° C.]. That is, in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, in the first period Tm1, the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the second load 34 whose target temperature is 80 [° C.] so as to converge the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) to be close to 80 [° C.] which is high. In the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1, the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the second load 34 whose target temperature is 60 [° C.] so as to converge the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) to be close to 60 [° C.] which is low.

In the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, the MCU 63 sets a voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V1 [V] as indicated by a thick solid line in part (b) of FIG. 13 . V1 [V] is a voltage set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. Accordingly, in the first period Tm1 in this case, power corresponding to the applied voltage V1 [V] is supplied from the power supply 61 to the first load 45, and the aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized by an amount corresponding to the power is generated by the first load 45.

In the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, the MCU 63 sets a voltage applied to the first load 45 to V2 [V] in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1. V2 [V] is a voltage higher than V1 [V] as shown in part (b) of FIG. 13 . V2 [V] is set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. For example, the MCU 63 can apply a voltage such as V1 [V] or V2 [V] to the first load 45 by controlling the DC/DC converter 66.

In this way, in the menthol mode in a case where the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, the MCU 63 increases the voltage applied to the first load 45 in two stages from V1 [V] to V2 [V]. That is, in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, the discharging to the first load 45 with an applied voltage of V1 [V] which is low is performed in the first period Tm1. In the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1, the discharging to the first load 45 with an applied voltage of V2 [V] which is high is performed, and power larger than that in the immediately preceding first period Tm1 is supplied to the first load 45. Accordingly, an amount of the vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71 generated by the first load 45 is increased as compared with that in the immediately preceding first period Tm1.

An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 131 a in part (c) of FIG. 13 .

An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 131 b in part (c) of FIG. 13 .

In order to compare the unit supply menthol amount 131 a with the unit supply flavor component amount 131 b, an example will be described in which the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 (that is, the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45) by the regular mode even though both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type.

As indicated by a thick broken line in part (a) of FIG. 13 , in the regular mode, the MCU 63 increases the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 in a stepwise manner in multiple stages, such as 30 [° C.], 60 [° C.], 70 [° C.], and 85 [° C.], which is more than stages in the menthol mode in a case where at least the aerosol source 71 contains menthol. In other words, the number of steps at which the target temperature of the second load 34 is changed (decreased) in the menthol mode in a case where at least the aerosol source 71 contains menthol is smaller than the number of steps at which the target temperature of the second load 34 is changed (increased) in the regular mode.

That is, in a mode such as the regular mode in which the target temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) is increased in a stepwise manner, since actual temperatures can easily follow the target temperature, it is possible to provide a stable flavor component (that is, the flavor derived from the flavor source 52) to the user by finely switching the target temperature. On the other hand, in a mode such as the menthol mode in which the target temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) is decreased in a stepwise manner, it is difficult for actual temperatures to follow the target temperature.

Therefore, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which actual temperatures deviate from the target temperature by reducing switching of the target temperature. The target temperature of the second load 34 and a timing of changing the target temperature in the regular mode are set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. As another example, the timing of changing the target temperature of the second load 34 in the regular mode may be determined based on a remaining amount [mg] of the flavor component (that is, the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule)) contained in the flavor source 52 in the capsule 50.

For example, here, a maximum value (here, 70 [° C.]) of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 in the regular mode is lower than the target temperature (here, 80 [° C.]) of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 in the menthol mode. A minimum value (here, 70 [° C.]) of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 in the regular mode is higher than the target temperature (here, 60 [° C.]) of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 in the menthol mode.

In the regular mode, the MCU 63 maintains the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 at a constant V3 [V], as indicated by a thick broken line in part (b) of FIG. 13 . V3 [V] is a voltage higher than V1 [V] and lower than V2 [V], and is a voltage set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. For example, the MCU 63 can apply a voltage of V3 [V] to the first load 45 by controlling the DC/DC converter 66.

An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the regular mode is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 132a in part (c) of FIG. 13 .

An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the regular mode is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 132b in part (c) of FIG. 13 .

That is, even when both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 (that is, the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45) are controlled by the regular mode. In this case, since the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 is lower than that in a case where the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 are controlled by the menthol mode, the temperature of the flavor source 52 in the first period Tm1 is low.

Therefore, when the discharging to the first load 45 or the like is controlled by the regular mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, a time up to when the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state in the capsule 50 is longer than that in a case where the discharging to the first load 45 or the like is controlled by the menthol mode. During this period, most menthol derived from the aerosol source 71 is adsorbed to the flavor source 52, and menthol that can pass through the flavor source 52 is reduced.

As described above, when the discharging to the first load 45 or the like is controlled by the regular mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, the unit supply menthol amount of menthol that can be supplied to the user in the first period Tm1 is reduced as indicated by the unit supply menthol amount 131 a and the unit supply menthol amount 132 a, as compared with a case where the discharging to the first load 45 or the like is controlled by the menthol mode as described above. Therefore, in this way, a sufficient amount of menthol may not be supplied to the user in the first period Tm1.

On the other hand, in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, the MCU 63 sets the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) to have a high temperature in the vicinity of 80 [° C.] in the first period Tm1 which is assumed to be a period before the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state. Accordingly, in the first period Tm1, the MCU 63 can prompt the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol to reach the adsorption equilibrium state at an early stage in the capsule 50, and can prevent the menthol derived from the aerosol source 71 from being adsorbed to the flavor source 52, and can ensure an amount of the menthol to be supplied to the mouth of the user avoiding the menthol being adsorbed to the flavor source 52 among the menthol derived from the aerosol source 71. Further, the MCU 63 can increase the menthol derived from the flavor source 52, which is desorbed from the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and is to be supplied to the mouth of the user by setting the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) to have a high temperature in the first period Tm1. Therefore, a sufficient amount of menthol can be supplied to the user from a period when the flavor component contained in the flavor source 52 is sufficient (new product time), as indicated by the unit supply menthol amount 131 a.

In part (c) of FIG. 13 , a unit supply menthol amount 133 a is an example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type and the flavor source 52 is not heated by the second load 34. In this case, the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) in the first period Tm1 is the room temperature (see R.T. in part (c) of FIG. 13 ). Therefore, in this case, since the temperature of the flavor source 52 in the first period Tm1 is lower than that in a case where the discharging to the first load 45 or the like is controlled by the menthol mode, a sufficient amount of menthol cannot be supplied to the user in the first period Tm1, as indicated by the unit supply menthol amount 133 a.

In order to supply a sufficient amount of menthol to the user in the first period Tm1, the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 is set to be high in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type. However, when the flavor source 52 heated to a high temperature in the first period Tm1 is also continuously heated at a high temperature in the second period Tm2, a large amount of menthol is supplied to the user, which may lead to a decrease in flavor.

Therefore, as described above, in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, by setting the target temperature of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 to be lower than the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1, the flavor source 52 that is heated to a high temperature in the first period Tm1 is prevented from being continued to be heated at a high temperature in the second period Tm2. Accordingly, as indicated by the unit supply menthol amount 131 a, in the second period Tm2 which is assumed to be a period after the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and the menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state, by lowering the temperature of the flavor source 52, an amount of the menthol that can be adsorbed to the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) can be increased, and the unit supply menthol amount can be prevented from increasing. Therefore, it is possible to supply an appropriate amount of menthol to the user in the second period Tm2.

In order to prevent a large amount of menthol from being supplied to the user in the second period Tm2, the target temperature of the second load 34 in the second period Tm2 is set to be low in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type. However, when the target temperature of the second load 34 is set to be low in this manner, it is possible to prevent an increase in the unit supply menthol amount in the second period Tm2, but it is considered that the unit supply flavor component amount in the second period Tm2 also decreases, and it is not possible to provide a sufficient inhalation feeling to the user.

Therefore, in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type, that is, the aerosol source 71 and the flavor source 52 contain menthol, the MCU 63 sets the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V1 [V], and sets the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1 to V2 [V] which is higher than V1 [V]. Accordingly, the voltage applied to the first load 45 can be changed to V2 [V] which is high in accordance with the period becoming the second period Tm2 and the target temperature of the second load 34 being changed to 60 [° C.] which is low. Therefore, in the second period Tm2, an amount of the aerosol source 71 that is generated by being heated with the first load 45 and is supplied to the flavor source 52 can be increased, and the unit supply flavor component amount in the second period Tm2 can be prevented from decreasing as indicated by the unit supply flavor component amount 131 b.

(Specific Control Example when Only Cartridge 40 is of Menthol Type)

Next, a specific control example of the MCU 63 when only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type (that is when only the aerosol source 71 contains menthol) will be described with reference to FIG. 14 . In the menthol mode in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type, only the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 is different from that in the menthol mode in a case where both the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 are of the menthol type. Therefore, in the following description, portions different from those described with reference to FIG. 13 will be mainly described, and description of portions similar to those described with reference to FIG. 13 will be omitted as appropriate.

In the menthol mode in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type, the MCU 63 sets the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V4 [V] as indicated by a thick solid line in part (b) of FIG. 14 . V4 [V] is a voltage higher than V3 [V] as shown in part (b) of FIG. 14 , and is a voltage set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. Accordingly, in the first period Tm1 in this case, power corresponding to the applied voltage V3 [V] is supplied from the power supply 61 to the first load 45, and the aerosol source 71 vaporized and/or atomized by an amount corresponding to the power is generated by the first load 45.

In the menthol mode in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type, the MCU 63 sets the voltage applied to the first load 45 to V5 [V] in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1. As shown in part (b) of FIG. 14 , V5 [V] is a voltage higher than V3 [V] and lower than V4 [V]. V5 [V] is set in advance by a manufacturer of the aerosol inhaler 1. For example, the MCU 63 can apply a voltage such as V4 [V] or V5 [V] to the first load 45 by controlling the DC/DC converter 66.

In this way, in the menthol mode in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type, the voltage applied to the first load 45 is decreased in two stages from V4 [V] to V5 [V]. That is, in the menthol mode in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type, the discharging to the first load 45 with an applied voltage of V4 [V] which is high is performed in the first period Tm1. In the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1, the discharging to the first load 45 with an applied voltage of V5 [V] which is low is performed, and power lower than that in the immediately preceding first period Tm1 is supplied to the first load 45. Accordingly, an amount of the aerosol source 71 (vaporized and/or atomized aerosol source 71) that is generated by being heated with the first load 45 and is supplied to the flavor source 52 is reduced as compared with that in the immediately preceding first period Tm1.

An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 141 a in part (c) of FIG. 14 .

An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 141 b in part (c) of FIG. 14 .

An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the regular mode is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 142a in part (c) of FIG. 14 .

An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the regular mode is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 142b in part (c) of FIG. 14 .

An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and the flavor source 52 is not heated by the second load 34 is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 143 a in part (c) of FIG. 14 .

An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type and the flavor source 52 is not heated by the second load 34 is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 143 b in part (c) of FIG. 14 .

That is, in the menthol mode in a case where only the cartridge 40 is of the menthol type, that is, the flavor source 52 does not contain menthol, the MCU 63 sets the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 to V4 [V], and sets the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the second period Tm2 after the first period Tm1 to V5 [V] lower than V4 [V]. Accordingly, in the first period Tm1 which is assumed to be a period before the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) and menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state in the capsule 50, an amount of the aerosol source 71 that is generated by being heated with the first load 45 and is supplied to the flavor source 52 can be increased by applying V4 [V] which is high to the first load 45 (that is, by supplying large power to the first load 45).

Therefore, in the period before the flavor source 52 and the menthol reach the adsorption equilibrium state, it is possible to increase an amount of menthol supplied to the mouth of the user avoiding the menthol being adsorbed to the flavor source 52 among the menthol derived from the aerosol source 71, and it is possible to promote the flavor source 52 and the menthol to reach the adsorption equilibrium state at an early stage in the capsule 50. Therefore, it is possible to stably supply an appropriate and sufficient amount of menthol to the user from a time (for example, a so-called inhalation start) when the flavor component contained in the flavor source 52 is sufficient, as indicated by the unit supply menthol amount 141a.

(Specific Control Example when Only Capsule 50 is of Menthol Type)

Next, a specific control example of the MCU 63 when only the capsule 50 is of the menthol type (that is, when only the flavor source 52 contains menthol) will be described with reference to FIG. 15 . In the following description, portions different from those described with reference to FIG. 13 will be mainly described, and description of portions similar to those described with reference to FIG. 13 will be omitted as appropriate.

As described above, in the menthol mode in a case where only the capsule 50 is of the menthol type, the MCU 63 controls the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 in a discharging manner similar to that in the regular mode. Specifically, in the menthol mode in this case, for example, the MCU 63 increases the target temperature of the second load 34 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 in a stepwise manner in multiple stages (for example, four stages here) such as 30 [° C.], 60 [° C.], 70 [° C.], and 85 [° C.], as indicated by a thick solid line in part (a) of FIG. 15 . In the menthol mode in this case, the MCU 63 maintains the voltage applied to the first load 45 in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2 at a constant V3 [V], as indicated by a thick solid line in part (b) of FIG. 15 .

An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the capsule 50 is of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 151 a in part (c) of FIG. 15 .

An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the capsule 50 is of the menthol type and the MCU 63 controls the target temperature of the second load 34 and the voltage applied to the first load 45 by the menthol mode is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 151 b in part (c) of FIG. 15 .

An example of a unit supply menthol amount in a case where only the capsule 50 is of the menthol type and the flavor source 52 is not heated by the second load 34 is indicated by a unit supply menthol amount 153 a in part (c) of FIG. 15 .

An example of a unit supply flavor component amount in a case where only the capsule 50 is of the menthol type and the flavor source 52 is not heated by the second load 34 is indicated by a unit supply flavor component amount 153 b in part (c) of FIG. 15 .

In the menthol mode in a case where only the capsule 50 is of the menthol type, that is, in a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol, the MCU 63 can gradually increase the temperature of the second load 34 (that is, the flavor source 52) by increasing the target temperature of the second load 34 in a stepwise manner in the first period Tm1 and the second period Tm2. Accordingly, desorption of menthol that is adsorbed to the flavor source 52 (specifically, the cigarette granules 521) in the capsule 50 from the flavor source 52 can be gradually progressed. Therefore, it is possible to stably supply a sufficient amount of menthol to the user from a time (for example, a so-called inhalation start) when the flavor component remaining amount W_(capsule) is sufficient. In other words, an amount of menthol (that is, the flavor derived from menthol) provided to the user can be stabilized.

As described above, the power supply unit 10 can appropriately control the discharging to the first load 45 and the second load 34 in accordance with a target containing (or not containing) menthol.

Although an embodiment of the present invention has been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings, it is needless to say that the present invention is not limited to the embodiment. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes and modifications may be conceived within the scope of the claims, and it is understood that such changes and modifications naturally fall within the technical scope of the present invention. Further, respective constituent elements in the embodiment described above may be combined as desired without departing from the gist of the present invention.

For example, although the voltage applied to the first load 45 is changed in a stepwise manner in two stages in the menthol mode in a case where at least the aerosol source 71 contains menthol in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The voltage applied to the first load 45 may be changed in a stepwise manner in stages more than two stages, or may be changed continuously.

For example, although the target temperature of the second load 34 is changed in a stepwise manner in two stages in the menthol mode in a case where at least the aerosol source 71 contains menthol in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. The target temperature of the second load 34 may be changed in a stepwise manner in stages more than two stages (in stages smaller than that in the regular mode), or may be changed continuously. Similarly, the target temperature of the second load 34 may also be changed in a stepwise manner in stages more than four stages, or may be changed continuously in the regular mode.

For example, although the target temperature of the second load 34 during preheating of the second load 34 in response to the transition to the startup mode is lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the menthol mode and the regular mode in the present embodiment, the present invention is not limited thereto. For example, the target temperature of the second load 34 during the preheating of the second load 34 in response to the transition to the startup mode may be a temperature higher than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the regular mode. In other words, the target temperature of the second load 34 during the preheating may be a temperature higher than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second load 34 in the menthol mode in a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol. Accordingly, in a case where only the flavor source 52 contains menthol, the temperature of the second load 34 can be lowered to an appropriate target temperature by stopping the preheating of the second load 34. In a case where at least the aerosol source 71 contains menthol, the temperature of the second load 34 can be easily brought to an appropriate target temperature by supplying more power to the second load 34. Therefore, the second load 34 can be easily brought to an appropriate target temperature in accordance with a target regardless of whether the target contains (or does not contain) menthol.

For example, although the heating chamber 43 of the cartridge 40 and the accommodation chamber 53 of the capsule 50 are arranged physically separated from each other and communicate with each other through the aerosol flow path 90 in the present embodiment, the heating chamber 43 and the accommodation chamber 53 may not necessarily be arranged physically separated from each other. The heating chamber 43 and the accommodation chamber 53 may be thermally insulated from each other and may be in communication with each other. In this case, the heating chamber 43 and the accommodation chamber 53 are also thermally insulated from each other, and thus it is possible to make the accommodation chamber 53 less likely to be affected by heat from the first load 45 of the heating chamber 43. Accordingly, rapid desorption of menthol from the flavor source 52 is prevented, and thus menthol can be stably supplied to the user. In addition, the heating chamber 43 and the accommodation chamber 53 may be physically separated from each other, may be thermally insulated from each other, and may be in communication with each other.

For example, an overall shape of the aerosol inhaler 1 is not limited to a shape in which the power supply unit 10, the cartridge 40, and the capsule 50 are arranged in a line as shown in FIG. 1 . The aerosol inhaler 1 may be implemented such that the cartridge 40 and the capsule 50 can be replaced with respect to the power supply unit 10, and may adopt any shape such as a substantially box shape.

For example, the cartridge 40 may be integrated with the power supply unit 10.

For example, the capsule 50 may be replaceable with respect to the power supply unit 10, and may be attachable to and detachable from the power supply unit 10.

For example, in the present embodiment, the first load 45 and the second load 34 are heaters that generate heat by power discharged from the power supply 61, but the first load 45 and the second load 34 may be Peltier elements that can perform heat generating and cooling by power discharged from the power supply 61. When the first load 45 and the second load 34 are implemented in this way, the degree of freedom in controlling the temperature of the aerosol source 71 and the temperature of the flavor source 52 is improved, and thus the unit flavor amount can be controlled at a higher level.

In addition, for example, in the present embodiment, the MCU 63 controls the discharging from the power supply 61 to the first load 45 and the second load 34 such that the flavor component amount converges to the target amount, but the target amount is not limited to a specific value and may be a range having a certain width.

In addition, for example, in the present embodiment, the MCU 63 controls the discharging from the power supply 61 to the second load 34 such that the temperature of the flavor source 52 converges to the target temperature, but the target temperature is not limited to a specific value and may be a range having a certain width.

In the present description, at least the following matters are described. Although corresponding constituent elements or the like in the above embodiment are shown in parentheses, the present invention is not limited thereto.

(1) A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device includes a first connector (the discharge terminal 12) connectable to a first heater (the first load 45) configured to heat an aerosol source (the aerosol source 71), a second connector (the discharge terminal 17) connectable to a second heater (the second load 34) configured to heat a flavor source (the flavor source 52) capable of imparting a flavor to the aerosol source vaporized and/or atomized by being heated with the first heater, a power supply (the power supply 61) electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector, and a controller (the MCU 63) capable of controlling discharging from the power supply to the first heater and discharging from the power supply to the second heater. The controller is configured to determine whether the aerosol source and the flavor source contain menthol, control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a menthol mode upon determination that the aerosol source contains menthol, and control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a regular mode upon determination that the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol. A manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode, and/or a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.

According to (1), the modes for controlling the discharging to the first heater and the second heater can be made different between the case where the aerosol source contains menthol and the case where the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol. Specifically, the discharging to the first heater and the second heater can be controlled by the menthol mode when the aerosol source contains menthol, and can be controlled by the regular mode when the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol. Accordingly, the discharging to the first heater and/or the second heater can be appropriately controlled in accordance with whether the aerosol source contains menthol.

(2) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (1), in which the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.

According to (2), in the case of the menthol mode, the discharging to the second heater is controlled in a discharge manner different from that in the case of the regular mode. Accordingly, the discharging to the second heater can be appropriately controlled in accordance with whether the aerosol source contains menthol.

(3) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (2), in which the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is a manner in which a target temperature for converging a temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is decreased in a stepwise manner or is decreased continuously, and the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which a target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously.

According to (3), in the case of the menthol mode, the target temperature of the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously. Accordingly, in the case of the menthol mode, in a period before the flavor source and the menthol reach an adsorption equilibrium state (for example, at an inhalation start), the target temperature can be set to a high temperature, an amount of menthol that can be adsorbed to the flavor source can be reduced, and menthol derived from the aerosol source can be prevented from being adsorbed to the flavor source. Therefore, in this period, it is possible to ensure an amount of menthol to be supplied to the user avoiding the menthol being adsorbed to the flavor source among the menthol derived from the aerosol source. In addition, in the case of the menthol mode, at a period thereafter (for example, after the flavor source and the menthol reach an adsorption equilibrium state), the target temperature is set to a low temperature, the amount of the menthol that can be adsorbed to the flavor source is increased, and it is possible to prevent supply of a large amount of the menthol to the user. Therefore, the menthol provided to the user can be stabilized at an appropriate amount. Further, according to (3), in the case of the regular mode, the target temperature of the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously. Accordingly, it is possible to compensate the flavor component, which decreases due to inhalation of the user, by increasing the temperature of the second heater (that is, the flavor source) in the regular mode. As described above, according to (3), it is possible to provide the user with a stable flavor derived from the menthol in the menthol mode and a stable flavor derived from the flavor source in the regular mode.

(4) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (3), in which the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is decreased inn stages, the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in m stages, and n is smaller than m.

According to (4), in the case of the menthol mode, the target temperature of the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is decreased in a stepwise manner or is decreased continuously, and in the case of the regular mode, the target temperature is increased in m (n<m) stages. That is, in a mode such as the regular mode in which the target temperature is increased in a stepwise manner, since actual temperatures can easily follow the target temperature, it is possible to provide the user with a stable flavor derived from the flavor source by finely switching the target temperature. On the other hand, in a mode such as the menthol mode in which the target temperature is decreased in a stepwise manner, since it is difficult for actual temperatures to follow the target temperature, it is possible to prevent the occurrence of a situation in which actual temperatures deviate from the target temperature by reducing switching of the target temperature.

(5) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to any one of (1) to (4), in which the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode.

According to (5), in the case of the menthol mode, the discharging to the first heater is controlled in a discharge manner different from that in the case of the regular mode. Accordingly, it is possible to appropriately control the discharging to the first heater in accordance with whether the aerosol source contains the menthol.

(6) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (5), in which the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is a manner in which a voltage applied to the first heater is changed in a stepwise manner or is changed continuously, and the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the voltage applied to the first heater is maintained constant.

According to (6), in the case of the menthol mode, the voltage applied to the first heater is changed in a stepwise manner or is changed continuously. Accordingly, in a case where the aerosol source contains the menthol, the amount of aerosol generated by being heated with the first heater can be changed, and the menthol derived from the aerosol source and the flavor component derived from the flavor source can be stably supplied to the user. According to (6), in the regular mode, the control on the voltage applied to the first heater (that is, power supplied to the first heater) can be simplified by maintaining the voltage applied to the first heater constant. Therefore, it is possible to appropriately control the discharging to the first heater in accordance with whether the aerosol source contains the menthol.

(7) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to any one of (1) to (6), in which the controller is configured to cause the aerosol generation device to operate in a startup mode and in a sleep mode in which power consumption is smaller than that in the startup mode and which can be transitioned to the startup mode, and in response to transition to the startup mode, start the discharging to the second heater such that a temperature of the second heater or the flavor source converges to a predetermined temperature.

According to (7), in response to transition to the startup mode of the aerosol generation device, the discharging to the second heater is started such that the target temperature of the second heater or the flavor source converges to a predetermined temperature. Accordingly, the second heater can be preheated in response to the transition to the startup mode, the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source can be increased at an early stage, and the amount of menthol provided to the user (that is, the flavor derived from the menthol) can be stabilized at an early stage.

(8) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (7), in which the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously, and the predetermined temperature is equal to or higher than a minimum value of the target temperature in the regular mode.

According to (8), regardless of the target containing (or not containing) the menthol, it is possible to make it easy for the second heater to reach an appropriate target temperature corresponding to the target.

(9) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (7), in which the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously, and the predetermined temperature is lower than the minimum value of the target temperature in the regular mode.

According to (9), the target temperature at the time of preheating the second heater in response to the transition to the startup mode is set to a temperature lower than the minimum value of the target temperature of the second heater or the like in the regular mode. Accordingly, it is possible to prevent the second load and the flavor source from being excessively heated due to the preheating of the second load, it is possible to preheat the second load to an appropriate temperature, it is possible to stabilize flavor, and it is possible to reduce power consumption due to the preheating of the second load.

(10) The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to (7), in which the controller is configured to, in response to the transition to the startup mode, start the discharging to the second heater before determining whether at least the aerosol source out of the aerosol source and the flavor source contains menthol such that the temperature converges to the predetermined temperature.

According to (10), the preheating of the second heater in response to the transition to the startup mode is performed before determining whether the flavor source or the aerosol source contains the menthol. In other words, when it is determined whether the flavor source or the aerosol source contains the menthol, the preheating of the second heater can be ended. Accordingly, after it is determined whether the flavor source or the aerosol source contains the menthol, it is possible to appropriately control the discharging to the first heater and/or the second heater in accordance with a target containing the menthol between the aerosol source and the flavor source. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A power supply unit for an aerosol generation device, comprising: a first connector connectable to a first heater configured to heat an aerosol source; a second connector connectable to a second heater configured to heat a flavor source capable of imparting a flavor to the aerosol source vaporized and/or atomized by being heated with the first heater; a power supply electrically connected to the first connector and the second connector; and a controller configured to control discharging from the power supply to the first heater and discharging from the power supply to the second heater, wherein the controller is configured to: determine whether the aerosol source and the flavor source contain menthol; control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a menthol mode upon determination that the aerosol source contains menthol; and control the discharging to the first heater and the discharging to the second heater by a regular mode upon determination that the aerosol source and the flavor source do not contain menthol, and a manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode, and/or a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from a manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.
 2. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is different from the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode.
 3. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 2, wherein the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is a manner in which a target temperature for converging a temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is decreased in a stepwise manner or is decreased continuously, and the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which a target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously.
 4. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 3, wherein the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the menthol mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is decreased in n stages, the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in m stages, and n is smaller than m.
 5. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is different from the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode.
 6. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 5, wherein the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the menthol mode is a manner in which a voltage applied to the first heater is changed in a stepwise manner or is changed continuously, and the manner of the discharging to the first heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the voltage applied to the first heater is maintained constant.
 7. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 1, wherein the controller is configured to: cause the aerosol generation device to operate in a startup mode and in a sleep mode in which power consumption is smaller than that in the startup mode and which can be transitioned to the startup mode; and in response to transition to the startup mode, start the discharging to the second heater such that a temperature of the second heater or the flavor source converges to a predetermined temperature.
 8. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously, and the predetermined temperature is equal to or higher than a minimum value of the target temperature in the regular mode.
 9. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the manner of the discharging to the second heater in the regular mode is a manner in which the target temperature for converging the temperature of the second heater or the flavor source is increased in a stepwise manner or is increased continuously, and the predetermined temperature is lower than the minimum value of the target temperature in the regular mode.
 10. The power supply unit for an aerosol generation device according to claim 7, wherein the controller is configured to, in response to the transition to the startup mode, start the discharging to the second heater before determining whether at least the aerosol source out of the aerosol source and the flavor source contains menthol such that the temperature converges to the predetermined temperature. 